The deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, particularity in North Gaza, as a result of the continued Israeli military operation for the fifth day, demands an immediate intervention by the international community to ensure the protection of the civilian population and to put an end to Israeli violations against civilians and medical teams.

The Israeli occupying forces have deliberately attacked and targeted unarmed civilians as well as PRCS ambulances and medical teams. On November 3, 2006, Israeli forces targeted and killed two members of PRCS medical teams, while they were attempting to evacuate a victim killed by Israeli fire in Beit Lahia area. At the same time,

Beit Hanoun Hospital is continued to be under siege by Israeli tanks and armored vehicles, which prevent medical teams and victims from reaching the hospital.

Due to this critical situation, PRCS calls upon the states parties to the Geneva Conventions, the UN Secretary General, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and international organizations of human rights to force the Israeli army to:

Stop targeting civilians and their properties

Stop targeting ambulances and medical teams and ensure their access and fulfillment of their humanitarian duty

End the siege on Beit Hanoun Hospital and secure access to it

Provide all essential humanitarian needs in particular medical supplies,water and food

Ensure respect for the principles and provisions of the International Humanitarian Law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention related to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War

Related Links

Palestine Red Crescent Society

BY TOPIC: Aid Under Attack