Ref: 55/2023
Date: 13 May 2023
Time: 14:00 GMT
In light of this distortion of its work and purposeful manipulation of context, PCHR would like to clarify the following:
Second: It is paradoxical how IOF misuse and employ PCHR’s publications to grieve Gaza children while they continue their intense campaign against PCHR, accusing it of “Terrorism” and calling its staff as “Terrorists in Suits” with alleged ties to “Terrorist Organizations” and waving a “Legal War”. All of this is within Israel’s war efforts against the Palestinian people while IOF continue bombing and directly and deliberately targeting Palestinian civilians, including children and women, round the clock in disregard for the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity that amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity according to the rules of the international law.
Third: citing PCHR with regard to several cases it has documented: PCHR has explicitly mentioned in its press release that investigations in these cases are still ongoing and not final. In this regard, PCHR recalls the crime that occurred in Jabalia cemetery during 2021 Israeli aggression when a group of children were bombed and killed and IOF disclaimed responsibility for this crime. At the time, PCHR conducted thorough investigations in cooperation with the competent Palestinian authorities and the final investigations revealed that IOF bear full responsibility for that crime.
Fourth: PCHR emphasizes its professional and independent mission and high credibility at the local and international levels, as it builds legal files on all crimes committed by IOF to be used before the International Criminal Court and other legal work on behalf of the Palestinian civilian victims, and to achieve accountability and prosecution of the Israeli leaders.
Fifth: PCHR affirms the right of the Palestinian people to resist the occupation by all legitimate means in accordance with international law all the way to achieve their legitimate rights, end the occupation, and establish their independent state.