Ref: 30/2007

Date: 20 May  2007

PCHR Publishes 4^th Report on Israeli Attacks against Palestinian Medical Crews

PCHR has published the 4^th report on Israeli attacks against Palestinian medical crews. The report documents attacks by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) against medical crews that provide medical services and aids to the wounded and patients in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). It also highlights the impacts of the total siege imposed by IOF on the OPT on the work of Palestinian medical crews and the realization of the right of health ensured by the international human rights law and humanitarian law. The report covers the period from 1 January 2005 to 30 April 2007.

During the reporting period, there was an escalation in attacks by IOF against Palestinian medical crews, especially in the Gaza Strip where 6 paramedics were killed. Thus, the number of medical personnel killed while on duty by IOF since the beginning of the current Palestinian Intifada has increased to 25, and at least 510 others have been wounded.   

The report also points out that there was an escalation in attacks by IOF on medical transportations, including ambulances. During the reporting period, 13 ambulances were hit by bullets and missiles while on duty in the field. Thus, the number of medical transportations destroyed by IOF since the beginning of the current Intifada has increased to 38. In addition, at least 142 medical transportations have been heavily damaged. Also during the reporting period, 11 clinics and 9 hospitals were destroyed or damaged by IOF. Thus, the number of medical institutions destroyed or damaged by IOF since the beginning of the current Intifada has increased to 100.

The report points out that many Palestinian towns, villages and refugee camp suffer from serious health problems due to the denial of access to necessary medical supplies. Such problems are more apparent in the Gaza Strip, which has been places under a tightened siege since 25 June 006.

In conclusion, the report stresses that wide scale military operations conducted by IOF in the OPT have caused a disastrous humanitarian situation, as IOF have deprived the wounded and patients of access to necessary medical care.