ICHR and Palestinian Civil Society Institutions warn of entering the stage of the genocide of the population of the Gaza Strip

Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), along with Palestinian human rights organizations and civil society institutions, has urgently called for the immediate opening of the Rafah crossing and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to deliver critical life essentials, such as drinking water, food, medical supplies, and fuel to Gaza. They have issued a stark warning that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deteriorated to a catastrophic level, with ominous signs of an impending genocide

This warning was delivered during a press conference held in Ramallah by the Palestinian Network for Non-governmental Organizations (PNGO), Palestinian Human Rights Organizations Council, and Al-Haq" and Addameer, alongside ICHR.

Dr. Ammar Dwaik, ICHR’s Director-General, called for the urgent provision of basic necessities, such as drinking water, food, medical supplies, and fuel to Gaza. He stressed that if humanitarian aid is not delivered within hours, the situation will spiral out of control, potentially resulting in genocide for the population of Gaza. He also noted the absence of international relief organizations on the ground, with their staff having withdrawn, and the relief efforts being carried out by local citizens. Dr. Dwaik also warned about the potential spread of diseases due to bodies buried under the rubble that have not been recovered.

Raji al-Surani, the Director of the Palestinian Center for Human Rights in Gaza, emphasized the right of every Gazan and Palestinian to live with dignity and aspire to freedom, calling for an end to the ongoing aggression. He highlighted the 17-year-long blockade that has severely affected Gaza socially and economically, making life extremely challenging.

Shawan Jabarin, the Director of Al-Haq Foundation, called for the International Independent Commission of Inquiry committee established in 2021 to look into alleged crimes, whether committed by Palestinians or Israelis. He stated that countries supporting the occupation are complicit in the crimes and should be held accountable by the International Criminal Court.

Issam Aruri, ICHR’s Commissioner-General, and Director of the Jerusalem Center for Legal Aid and Human Rights, spoke about the increasing severity of settler terrorism in the West Bank and occupied Jerusalem, especially after the Israeli Minister of Internal Security, Ben Gvir, openly admitted to arming Israeli civilians. In the first three days of the war, 127,000 weapons were distributed to settlers.

Tala Nasser from Addameer Foundation described the harsh conditions of detainees in Israeli prisons, explaining that since October 7, the Israeli Prison Service has closed all sections in the prisons, prevented media access to prisoners, restricted visits, and provided poor-quality and insufficient food. She added that many prisons have had their water and electricity supply cut off.

Halmi Al-Araj, the Director of Center for Defense and Civil Rights called for a strong global response against the aggression and genocide. He stressed that the Palestinian people, regardless of their location, stand united against this occupation aggression.

Dr. Mustafa Al-Barghouti, the Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative, expressed concern about the way some Western media outlets have allowed a global hate campaign that significantly impacts Palestinian civilians. He cited a disturbing example from Chicago, United States, where a man brutally attacked a Palestinian child, stabbing him 28 times, and also stabbed his mother.

October 17, 2023.