Pro-palestinian activist home after being detained in West Bank

A pro-Palestinian activist, Dee Murphy, expressed feelings of “outrage and heartbreak” upon her return to Wales after being detained in the occupied West Bank. Murphy, a 70-year-old resident of Swansea originally from Cork, Ireland, was held in custody for up to 10 days before returning home. She had been volunteering with the International Solidarity Movement (ISM) as an observer at the time of her arrest. The Israeli government has been asked to provide comment on the situation.

The West Bank, an area between the eastern edge of Israel and the western side of the River Jordan, is home to an estimated three million Palestinians. Since the Six Day War of 1967, Israel has occupied the West Bank, which Palestinians seek as part of any future state. The ongoing construction of settlements by Israel in the area is considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes this claim. While Israel maintains military control, the Oslo Accords of 1995 granted the Palestinian Authority some administrative and security control over specific regions.

Murphy recounted her experience in the southern part of the occupied West Bank, where Israeli settlers alerted the police on May 31. The village of Khalet a-Daba, which she holds dear to her heart, had been predominantly demolished prior to her departure. The IDF stated that the village was constructed illegally within a military firing zone and that Palestinian inhabitants were residing there unlawfully. Government officials in Israel’s coalition have recently approved the creation of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank to safeguard against a potential Palestinian state that could threaten Israel’s security.

Upon being targeted by Israeli settlers, Murphy described the unwarranted aggression and control exerted over the local Palestinian families. Despite offering to leave the area, she was informed she would be detained until authorities arrived. Denied legal representation initially for resisting deportation, Murphy faced challenging circumstances during her time in custody. She took the decision to depart voluntarily due to the lack of feasible communication. The Irish Embassy Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Foreign Office have acknowledged the situation and offered their assistance

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