Israeli Soldiers Abduct Three Palestinians, Including a Child, in Ramallah – – IMEMC News

Report on Military Operations in the West Bank and Their Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

On Monday morning, Israeli military forces conducted operations across several Palestinian towns and villages west of Ramallah. These actions, which included abductions, home invasions, and the imposition of movement restrictions, present significant challenges to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report analyzes the events in the context of key SDGs, particularly SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and other related goals concerning health, economic stability, and equality.

2.0 Incidents and Direct Contraventions of SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The reported military activities directly undermine the core principles of SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable institutions.

• Abduction of Civilians: The abduction of three individuals, including a 16-year-old child from Deir Abu Mash’al, contravenes Target 16.2, which calls for an end to abuse, exploitation, and all forms of violence against children. Such actions disrupt family structures and community safety, eroding the foundations of a peaceful society.
• Erosion of Rule of Law: The operations, described as part of a campaign of “collective punishment,” challenge Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice). The ransacking of homes and detentions without immediate due process weaken legal and institutional frameworks.
• Increased Violence and Insecurity: The invasions and military harassment contribute to a cycle of violence, directly opposing Target 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence). The presence of military forces and roadblocks heightens insecurity for the civilian population.

3.0 Setbacks to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The military operations created physical and social barriers that impede progress toward SDG 11, which focuses on making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

1. Compromised Housing and Safety: The storming of homes and tampering with their contents, as reported in Deir Abu Mash’al, violates the principle of safe and adequate housing outlined in Target 11.1.
2. Restricted Access to Transport and Mobility: The sealing of the main entrance to Sinjil and the establishment of military roadblocks near Turmus Ayya directly obstruct Target 11.2 (Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems). These measures isolate communities and force residents onto unsafe, unpaved roads.
3. Fragmented Community Links: By restricting movement, the roadblocks and closures sever essential social and economic links between urban and rural areas, hindering the integrated development promoted by SDG 11.

4.0 Wider Implications for Sustainable Development

The consequences of these actions extend beyond SDGs 16 and 11, affecting the broader framework for sustainable development in the Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorate.

• SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Movement restrictions can impede access to essential healthcare services. Furthermore, the psychological stress resulting from home invasions and military presence negatively impacts the mental well-being of the community.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Roadblocks and sieges prevent civilians from accessing their places of work, disrupting livelihoods and undermining local economic stability, contrary to the goal of promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth.
• SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): The targeting of specific Palestinian communities exacerbates inequalities and undermines social cohesion, directly conflicting with the objective of reducing inequality within and among countries.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article’s central theme revolves around conflict, violence, and the breakdown of justice and security. It describes military invasions, abductions of civilians, and collective punishment, which are direct challenges to peace and the rule of law. The actions described, such as “ransacking homes” and inflicting “dozens of casualties, including fatalities,” fundamentally undermine personal security and institutional stability.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article highlights actions that make communities and human settlements unsafe and inaccessible. The act of sealing “off the main entrance to the town of Sinjil” and erecting “military roadblocks” directly impedes the safety and mobility of residents, which is contrary to the goal of creating sustainable and safe communities.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The events described illustrate a profound inequality in power and rights between the occupying forces and the Palestinian residents. The “broader Israeli campaign of collective punishment and military harassment targeting Palestinian communities” points to actions that systematically disadvantage and exclude a specific population, thereby increasing inequality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • This target is directly relevant as the article explicitly mentions a campaign that inflicts “dozens of casualties, including fatalities.” The invasions, abductions, and military harassment are all forms of violence that this target aims to reduce.
2. Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • The article provides a specific example relevant to this target by reporting the abduction of “Amir Abdul-Mon’im Atta, 16,” highlighting the vulnerability of children to violence and abuse in the conflict.
3. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all…
   • The closure of streets and the erection of roadblocks directly contravene this target. The article states that forces “sealed off the main entrance to the town of Sinjil, forcing residents to use unpaved side roads” and “erected military roadblocks near the town of Turmus Ayya,” which restricts access to transport and freedom of movement for civilians.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Conflict-related deaths and casualties:
   • The article provides a qualitative indicator by mentioning “serious violations, inflicting dozens of casualties, including fatalities.” This data point can be used to measure progress (or lack thereof) towards Target 16.1.
2. Number of arbitrary detentions/abductions:
   • The text explicitly states the abduction of “three civilians.” This quantifiable data serves as a direct indicator of violence and the lack of personal security, relevant to Target 16.1.
3. Number of children subjected to violence:
   • The specific mention of a “16-year-old child” being abducted provides a direct indicator for measuring violence against children, as outlined in Target 16.2.
4. Restrictions on freedom of movement:
   • The article implies indicators by describing actions such as sealing off a “main entrance to the town,” an “ongoing siege that had been in place for several hours,” and the erection of “military roadblocks.” The number and duration of such restrictions can be measured to track progress towards Target 11.2.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: imemc.org