PHR-Israel and 9 human rights organizations warn of a clear and present danger to the lives...

PHR-Israel and 9 human rights organizations warn of a clear and present danger to the lives and well-being of tens of thousands of civilians in Gaza
14 Jan 2009

PHR-Israel and 9 human rights organizations held a press conference today, Wednesday, 14.1.09, raising a heavy suspicion of grave violations of international humanitarian law by military forces. After the end of the hostilities, claim the organizations, the time will come for the investigation of this matter, and accountability will be demanded of those responsible for the violations. At this point the organizations call the attention to the clear and present danger to the lives and well-being of tens of thousands of civilians

The responsibility of the State of Israel in this matter is clear and beyond doubt. The army’s complete control of the battle zones and the access roads to them does not allow Israel to transfer that responsibility to other countries. Therefore the organizations call upon the Israeli government to:

1. Stop the disproportionate harm to civilians, and stop targeting civilian objects that do not serve any military purpose, even if they meet the definition of "symbols of government."
2. Open a route for civilians to escape the battle zone, while guaranteeing their ability to return home at the end of the fighting.
3. Provide appropriate and immediate medical care to all of the injured and ill of the Gaza Strip, either by evacuating them to medical centers outside of the Gaza Strip or by reaching another solution inside the Gaza Strip.
4. Allow rescue and medical teams to reach battle-torn zones to evacuate the injured and bring supplies to those who remain there. Alternatively, the army must carry out those activities itself.
5. Secure the proper operation of the electricity, water and sewage systems so that they meet the needs of the population.

For more details, see attached letter the organizations sent to the Israeli Minister of Defence

http://www.phr.org.il/phr/article.asp?articleid=687&catid=55&pcat=-1&lang=ENG