Ref: 94/2006
Date: 27 August 2006
Time: 12:30 GMT
PCHR Condemns the IOF Bombardment of a News Agency Vehicle in Gaza City
PCHR strongly condemns the aerial bombardment of a vehicle belonging to Reuters News Agency in Gaza City. The vehicle was destroyed; and two journalists who were inside were moderately injured. PCHR’s investigation indicates that the attack was intentional. The vehicle was targeted despite clear markings indicating its identity.
PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 00:30 on Sunday, 27 August 2006, Reuters’ cameraman, Fadel Sobhi Shana’a (21), traveled in the agency’s white, armored “Land Rover” jeep to cover the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) incursion into Sheja’eya Quarter, east of Gaza City. The journalist Sobhi Marwan Hmeida (25) from the Palestinian Media Group was accompanying Shana’a. The jeep was clearly marked with the “Press” and “TV.” In addition, it had the Reuters name and logo clearly marked on it in Arabic and English. An IOF plane fired a rocket at the jeep when it reached the schools area on Salah El-Deen Street, which is nearly 2 kilometers away from the incursion area. The rocket penetrated the jeep’s roof and injured the two journalists. Shana’a was injured in his right hand and leg; and Hmeida was injured by shrapnel in the right leg and foot. Both were taken to Shifa Hospital for treatment. Shana’a has been release since then; while Hmeida remains under treatment.
It is noted that at approximately 00:00 IOF moved approximately 700 meters into Sheja’eya Quarter, east of Gaza City. Clashes erupted between IOF and Palestinian resistance activists. Two Palestinians were killed and others were injured during these clashes.
PCHR strongly condemns the IOF crime against the two journalists. The crime is a form of excessive use of force against journalists. It is noted that during Al-Aqsa Intifada a number of journalists were killed and others injured by IOF.
PCHR reiterates its call to the international community and the High Contracting Parties of the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations to ensure respect of the Convention at all times. The Centre calls upon these parties to intervene effectively to put an end to IOF serious violations of the Convention.
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