French Muslim council condemns reports of Palestinians marked with numbers
The French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) on Wednesday expressed “horror” and “deep indignation” over reports that Israeli soldiers marked and numbered Palestinians detained during military operations in the occupied West Bank.
The CFCM said reports and images showing Palestinians with numbers written on their foreheads and other parts of their bodies represented a serious violation of human dignity.
“The CFCM strongly condemns these barbaric acts,” the group said, arguing that the practice evokes some of the darkest periods of European history.
The organization stressed the particular historical significance in Europe and France of reducing a person to a number inscribed on their body.
CFCM warns of wider pattern
The CFCM said the reported treatment appeared not to be an isolated incident, pointing to reports of similar practices in Jenin in April.
It said the Israeli army had not denied that the markings occurred but had sought to justify the practice.
The group warned that the alleged acts came amid what it described as widespread violence and forced displacement affecting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
It also condemned what it called the daily killing of civilians, violence by Israeli soldiers and attacks by Israeli settlers.
Call for international action
The CFCM called on France, the European Union and the wider international community to respond to the reports and demand compliance with international humanitarian law and fundamental rights.
It urged governments to take what it described as firm and coercive measures to end violence and violations of human dignity.
“Human dignity cannot be applied selectively,” the group said. “It must be defended for every human being, regardless of origin, religion or nationality.”
Source:AA
