Front Line, the International Foundation for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, is gravely concerned for the safety of human rights defenders and humanitarian workers who are operating in the field in Gaza; monitoring and reporting on the horrific outcome of the continuous air raids by the Israeli armed forces and providing much needed help to victims. Human rights defenders include activists and workers in human rights groups, press and media, health services and humanitarian aid workers.

Further Information

These defenders provide direct help and a voice for the victims of the severe human rights violations in Gaza where hundreds of civilians have been killed or wounded in indiscriminate attacks. They will also play a crucial role in documenting what is happening and it is to be hoped that the evidence that they collect can be used to bring those responsible to justice. The indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the collective punishment of the civilian population of Gaza by means of a blockade of essential services and supplies constitute war crimes under the Geneva Conventions. Front Line calls upon the Israel authorities for an immediate end to indiscriminate attacks on civilians in Gaza as well as an end to the restrictions on access for human rights defenders, humanitarian workers and essential humanitarian supplies. Front Line calls on the international community to press for an immediate end to indiscriminate attacks on civilians by all actors and for unrestricted access for human rights defenders and humanitarian workers.

Front Line further calls for the evidence of war crimes to be carefully documented and to be used as the basis for bringing those responsible to justice. No process towards peace and reconciliation can be successful if there is no accountability for systematic and indiscriminate attacks against civilians.