New York, NY, September 30, 2003 … Statements made in a September 29th Amnesty International press release, commemorating the third anniversary of the Palestinian uprising, unfairly blurred the distinction between the actions taken by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and the heinous actions of various Palestinian terrorist groups, accusing both sides of intentionally causing heavy civilian casualties.  The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) expressed outrage over the Amnesty International statement that "Both sides have knowingly targeted civilians and shown utter disregard for the most basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law."

"It is outrageous that the report accuses Israel of 'utter disregard for the most basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law'," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "The report dismisses the fact that the measures undertaken by Israel are solely intended to prevent the continuous onslaught of Palestinian terrorist attacks against Israelis.   The IDF goes to great lengths to avoid harming civilians, especially children.  The same cannot be said for Palestinian terrorists who intentionally blow themselves up on Israeli streets, buses and cafes."

"The Palestinians have indeed suffered, but it is the continued campaign of violence and terrorism against Israel that is to blame for the current restrictions on the lives of Palestinians," Mr. Foxman continued.  "Israel has demonstrated that it is willing to ease restrictions as soon as the Palestinian leadership takes steps to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure."