The Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns the recent Israeli attack that resulted in injury to Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.
The attack resulted in the injury of 16 people, 5 of whom were children, and signals flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.
At approximately 4:50 pm on Wednesday, 23 April 2014, Israeli aircraft fired two missiles at a motorcycle that was driving near the Beit Lahiya Youth Sports Club on Al Manshiya Street in Beit Lahiya.
As a result of the attack, the two people on the motorcycle were injured, one with a critical injury, and14 passersby were injured, including 5 children.
Medical sources at Kamal Odwan Hospital described the injury of one of the children as critical.
Al Mezan has identified the injured children as follows: Haneen Mureed Al Massri, 11, sustained injuries and bruises to the face and legs; Reem Ali Hassan Al Habel, 5, sustained shrapnel wounds to the left shoulder and left leg; Israa’ Attaf Hasan Al Habel, 8, sustained wounds to the head and left leg; her injury was described as critical; Saleem Salah Az-Za’noun, 17, sustained bruises to the left thigh; and Khaled Al Ghoul, 15.
Several adjacent houses and stores were damaged in the attack.
Al Mezan condemns attacks by Israeli occupying forces’ on densely populated areas, which show a blatant disregard for civilian life.
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These attacks signal continued Israeli violations of international humanitarian law in its treatment of Palestinian civilians, who are protected and must not be attacked.
Al Mezan calls on State Parties to abide by their obligations as per article (146) of the Fourth Geneva Convention and to exert pressure on Israel to cease its attacks against civilians in the Gaza Strip and ensure enforcement of international law standards and respect for the Fourth Geneva Convention.
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