ADC Condemns Israeli Attacks on Beit Hanun

Washington, DC | November 6, 2006 | The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) expresses deep concern and condemns the latest Israeli military assault on the northern town of Beit Hanun, located in the Gaza Strip. Approximately 50 Palestinians have been killed as a result of the Israeli assault which began on November 1, and there are no sign as to when these attacks might end.

The situation in Gaza is already desperate, approximately 40 percent of Gaza’s residents live in poverty and unemployment is 55 percent. Now, many residents of Beit Hanun are without water and electricity during these winter months. A senior UN official, one of a few people given permission to enter Beit Hanun by the Israelis, described the atmosphere as one of death, destruction and despair. The European Union presidency, currently held by Finland, has issued a statement deploring “the growing number of civilian casualties the Israeli military operation has caused.” Palestinian authorities have also confirmed a severe shortage of medical supplies, rendering hospitals unable to properly treat the growing number of victims.

ADC President Hon. Mary Rose Oakar said, “ADC calls for an immediate end to the ongoing violence and reiterates that Israel must end its occupation, once and for all, and collective punishment of the long suffering Palestinian people must stop.” Hon. Oakar added, “Under humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, Israel, as the internationally-recognized occupying power, must allow humanitarian aid and supplies into Beit Hanun. Residents should not be forced to go without food or medicine and be forced to live under the threat of constant violence and military attacks.”

ADC web site http://www.adc.org/index.php?id=124