Red Cross President urges Israel to abide by 4th Geneva Convention
Palestine-Israel, Politics, 10/12/2002

President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Jakob Kellenberger, said at the end of a six-day visit to Israel and Palestine that he is gravely concerned about the current crisis, Kuwait's News agency Kuna reported.

"The ICRC has been present here since 1967, and this is the worst humanitarian situation seen since then."

Kellenberger urged the Israeli authorities to fully implement the provisions of the 4th Geneva Convention, namely "to take measures that will enable the civilian population living in the Occupied Territories to resume as normal a life as possible, and to respond to their humanitarian needs." He pointed out the harmful impact of the severe restriction of movements and curfews on the Palestinian population.

During meetings with representatives of Palestinian detainees' families in Gaza, Kellenberger discussed the right of prisoners to receive visits from their loved ones.

He reiterated the ICRC's determination to strive for results, telling them: "The ICRC does not forget, and does not give up."

Kellenberger also appealed for respect for the Red Cross and Red Crescent Emblems, and for all medical missions, which are protected under international humanitarian law.

A key issue which the ICRC President raised during all his meetings was the absolute need for those who use force to distinguish between combatants and civilians, and to respect the principle of proportionality at all times.

Any attacks against civilians are absolutely prohibited under international humanitarian law and can never be justified under any circumstances.

As he left, Kellenberger summed up his discussions with the different authorities by saying: "They were frank and open, and resulted in commitments to further increase cooperation with the ICRC, so as to improve the unacceptable humanitarian situation on the ground.

The ICRC noted in a press release issued Thursday that Kellenberger's visit comes at a time of political deadlock, violence and economic hardship, all of which are contributing to the increasingly dire humanitarian situation of the Palestinian population.

Previous Stories:
  UN's top human rights official voices 'extreme concern' over Israeli attack in Gaza   (10/10/2002)
  UN's top human rights official voices 'extreme concern' over Israeli attack in Gaza   (10/10/2002)
  Binaliazer claims that Arafat obstructs resumption of negotiations with Israel   (10/7/2002)
  Some 340 Palestinian children shot by Israel during the Intifada   (10/7/2002)
  Israeli Organization warn Israel of war crimes trials   (8/17/2002)
  UN expert condemns Israel's destruction of homes, prevention of children from school   (8/10/2002)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search