Ref: 63/2003

PCHR condemns the Israeli
authorities’ recent decision to impose severe restrictions on internationals
entering the Gaza Strip. Over the last ten days internationals have been
required to submit to a number of measures before being allowed into Gaza,
including signing a declaration exempting Israel from responsibility for death,
injury or any damage that they may incur while in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities have
restricted access to tourists, journalists, humanitarian and human rights
workers and medical personnel, making some individuals wait up to 9 hours for
access from the Gaza Strip into Israel and similar periods when traveling into
Gaza as well. In the latest development, as of yesterday, 10 May 2003, the Erez
border crossing was completely closed to all internationals, except for United
Nations staff and diplomats.

PCHR believes that the
policy’s objective is to prevent internationals from witnessing the daily
crimes that are perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in
the Gaza Strip.

PCHR strongly condemns
Israel’s policy of preventing internationals from entering the Gaza Strip, in
particular the staff of international humanitarian organizations, making it
impossible for them to carry out their humanitarian work in the region. This
comes in the context of an already deteriorating humanitarian situation in the
Gaza Strip. As the occupying power, the State of Israel is obligated to
facilitate access for workers from recognized humanitarian organizations under
the Fourth Geneva Convention.

PCHR calls upon
internationals not to sign any declarations absolving Israel from any
responsibility for their welfare whilst in the Gaza Strip and urges individuals
to raise the issues with their governments, to pressure their countries to
adopt reciprocal policies against Israeli citizens if these measures continue.