Ref:
30/2007
Date: 20 May 2007
PCHR Publishes 4th Report
on Israeli Attacks against Palestinian Medical Crews
PCHR has published the 4th 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.
