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Last update - 22:19 27/05/2008 Rights monitor: W. Bank, Gaza governments violate human rights in quest for control By The Associated Press Tags: Gaza Strip, West Bank  RAMALLAH, West Bank - The rival governments in the West Bank and Gaza are increasingly violating human rights in their territories in a quest for control, a Palestinian human rights group said Tuesday. The Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights said it has received more than 2,000 citizens' complaints about human rights violations in 2007, or double the number in the previous year. Two-thirds of the complaints came from the West Bank, commission officials told reporters. The group presented highlights from its 2007 report but said the full text would only be available later. Advertisement In June 2007, the Islamic militant Hamas seized control of Gaza by force, and in response, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas established a separate West Bank government of moderates. More than 1,000 Palestinians were detained on political grounds in 2007 as part of the escalating power struggle, the rights groups said. The head of the group, Mamdouh al-Aker, said he met with Abbas and expressed concerns about the deteriorating human rights situation in both territories. He said both governments have prevented some public gatherings and used excessive force to break up rallies and demonstrations. Al-Aker said he was concerned about security regimes being set up in both territories. He said both governments were increasingly arresting people on political grounds, raiding homes without warrants, mistreating detainees and restricting freedom of expression. The West Bank government of Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said it would study the report. "The government respects human rights and will consider every point in this report, and correct any wrongdoing," said one of Fayyad's spokespeople, Jamal Zakout. In Gaza, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum denied that the group violates human rights. "The Palestinian Authority (in the West Bank) systematically violates human rights," he said, insisting that Hamas in Gaza tolerates criticism and permits freedom of expression. However, human rights groups have often complained about practices of the Hamas government in Gaza. Related articles: Human rights group: Israel's trials of Palestinians are unfair UN Human Rights Council condemns IDF actions in Gaza Human rights groups call on Israel to stop limiting fuel to Gaza Bookmark to del.icio.us   Fight club Jerusalem camera catches brutal attack by Jewish teens on Arab youths. Unbrotherly behavior Rights group: Palestinian governments violate human rights in quest for control.   1.   Hamas & P.A. violating human rights?? Cant be true!! 22:44  |  Free Gilad Shalit 27/05/08   2.   Rather short on details concerning the violations,although it is 22:46  |  lakshmi 27/05/08   3.   send for doris cadigan ! she will blame israel 23:27  |  victor hardman 27/05/08   4.   Rights violations funding by E.U. & U.S., etc. 23:41  |  amazed 27/05/08   5.   israel terrorists violated over 100 UN resolutions 23:44  |  YnotMENTION? 27/05/08   6.   Useful idiots do not go all quiet lets have usual blame shifting 02:12  |  PETER SM 28/05/08   7.   # 2 lakshmi....LOL!!! 03:28  |  Lynn 28/05/08   8.   Bradley, even if I could accept the Jewish refugees of 1948 19:16  |  Dutch 28/05/08

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