PALESTINE CENTER URGES INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION IN GAZA AND LEBANON
For Immediate Release
Contact: Samar Assad
(202) 338-1290
Washington, DC; July 13, 2006 – The Palestine Center calls on the international community to bring an end to Israel’s military escalation against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians. Israel’s military campaign has resulted in a large number of civilian deaths and the destruction of vital infrastructure.
In addition to the escalating number of civilian casualties, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in the Gaza Strip due to shortages of electricity and water resulting from Israel’s bombing of Gaza’s power plants. Furthermore, Israel’s closure of Gaza’s crossing points has caused a shortage in humanitarian and commercial supplies and has left hundreds stranded between Gaza and Egypt.
UNRWA estimates that approximately 578 Palestinians have been trapped at the Rafah crossing. Reports indicate that four Palestinians have died while waiting to enter into Gaza. Garbage collection has been interrupted due to the lack of fuel and rotting debris has been piling since 9 July, causing major concerns about a public health crisis.
With over 70 Palestinians killed since 28 June 2006, and some 47 Lebanese killed since yesterday, the international community must hold Israel accountable for its collective punishment, indiscriminate use of force and disregard for international law.
The Palestine Center is the educational program of the Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development, an independent non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. Established in 1991, the Center provides a Palestinian perspective on U.S. policy in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on Palestine and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For more information about The Palestine Center and the Fund’s cultural and humanitarian programs, visit The Jerusalem Fund.
