Attacks on Hospitals and Medics in Gaza

I received the following press release today from the International Solidarity Movement (ISM:
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2pm, Al-Awda hospital, Jabaliya, Gaza: The al-Awda hospital in northern Gaza has been damaged by two Israeli shells.

Spanish Human Rights Activist Alberto Arce said;

"Two consecutive shells just landed in the busy car park 15 meters from the entrance to the emergency room of the Al Awda hospital. The entrance of the emrgency rooml was damaged. At the time of the shelling Ambulances were bringing in the wounded that keep pouring in. Medical teams and facilities are being targeted. Nowhere is safe" Alberto Arce (Spain) – International Solidarity Movement

This attack on the hospital come the day after four medics were killed by the Israeli military as they attempted to rescue injured people. Six Palestinian medical personnel have now been killed by Israeli attacks.

On December 31st, medic Mohammed Abu Hassera was killed on the spot as his ambulance was shelled while trying to access the wounded. Dr Ihab Al Mathoon, who was also on the ambulance, died in hospital a few hours later. Yesterday, 4th January, Yaser Shbeir, Raf'at Al-A'kluk, Arafa Hani 'Abdul Dayem and Anes Fadel Na'im were killed when Israeli shells targeted the ambulances they worked in.

"Israel has continued to violate international conventions by attacking medical personnel. They are massacring the people of Gaza. With the swelling number of civilian casualties, Israel must ensure that medical assistance is available. Instead, they are intentionally targeting the medical teams that are meant to be protected by the Geneva Conventions. Israel's disregard for international law must be confronted by the international community." – Vittorio Arrigoni (Italy) – International Solidarity Movement

International Solidarity Movement activists are accompanying ambulances in Gaza. They were, and will continue, working with medical personnel during the Israeli Occupation Forces' ground invasion into northern Gaza.

Please Contact:

Jabaliya
Alberto Arce Spain - (Spanish) - +972 59 8786094
Ewa Jasiewicz - Poland/Britain (Polish, English and Arabic) + 447749421576
Vittorio Arrigoni - Italy (Italian) - +973 59 8378945
Eva Bartlett - Canada (English) - +972 59 8836308
Sharon Lock - Australia (English) - +972 59 8826513

In Gaza City and Rafah

Dr. Haider Eid - South Africa (English and Arabic) - + 972 59 9441766
Fida Qishta - Palestine (English and Arabic) +972 599681669
Jenny Linnel - Britain (English) - +972 59 8765377
Natalie Abu Shakra - Lebanon (Arabic and English) +972 59 8336 328


For More General Information, Please Contact:

Adam Taylor - ISM media office in Ramallah - +972 598 503 948

For blogs from inside Gaza see:

www.ingaza.wordpress.com

www.talestotell.wordpress.com

www.palsolidarity.org