B'Tselem launches an office in the United States
B'Tselem today (Wed. 24 Sept.) launches its new U.S. office at a reception on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C.. Recognizing the central role of the United States, B'Tselem hopes that its presence will inform the political and public discourse in this country and ensure that human rights are a centerpiece of the bilateral relationship and all diplomatic efforts.

Settlers raid 'Asira al-Qibliya and attack residents
Over the past year, settlers from Yitzhar and the surrounding area have sharply stepped up violent acts in nearby Palestinian villages. On 13 Sept., after a Palestinian stabbed a Jewish boy and burnt down a caravan in a settlement near Yitzhar, dozens of settlers raided the village of 'Asira al-Qibliya, rioted and widely damaged property. Soldiers were present at the time, yet did nothing to prevent the settlers' actions, and fired at the Palestinians.

Testimony: Woman delivers stillborn baby while delayed at Checkpoint
On 4 Sept. '08, Naheel Abu Ridah, seven months pregnant, was rushed to hospital in severe pain. When she reached Huwara checkpoint with three relatives, soldiers refused to let them cross by car despite the family's pleas. She delivered in the car, and the baby was born dead. The checkpoint commander was sentenced in a disciplinary hearing to 14 days in an army prison.

New Report: Access Denied
Today (11 September) B'Tselem is publishing a report on Israel's blocking of Palestinian access to land around settlements lying east of the Separation Barrier. The report reveals that state authorities and settlers have de-facto annexed rings of land amounting to tens of thousands of dunams to these settlements.

Soldiers attack family while arresting the father
On 14 August 2008, in the middle of the night, soldiers entered the home of the Abu 'Aker family, in the Deheishe refugee camp, to arrest the father. They ordered him and his children to undress in front of them, severely beat the father, slapped his thirteen-year-old son, and turned the house upside down, breaking things in the process. B'Tselem demanded the Judge Advocate General's Office to investigate the incident.