Attacks on human rights defenders in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are occurring at alarming rates since the new year began. Human Rights Watch reports that several human rights defenders have been beaten, stabbed, and attached by masked assailants. HRW also states that people have been abused and attacked by Palestinian National Authority forces.

As the Gaza Strip and the West Bank are under Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority’s control, they must investigate these abuses as it is their duty to protect and support the people who live there.

Tell Hamas and the Palestinian Authority that they must investigate and stop these abuses as it is their duty to protect these people.

We the undersigned ask that the Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority investigate and stop attacks on human rights campaigners and defenders in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. These people should be protected and supported by the authorities, not ignored and abused. Since the start of the new year, human rights defenders such as Mahmud Abu Rahma and Yazan Sawafta have been attacked and beaten.

This abuse of such brave people must stop as Hamas and the Palestinian National Authority must protect people such as Mahmud Abu Rahma and Yazan Sawafta.

Thank you.