Amnesty International Press Release
Thursday, January 15, 2008
For Immediate Release

Amnesty International Urges Impartial Probe of Israeli Shelling of United Nations Compound in Gaza

Bombs Disrupt Humanitarian Aid to Civilians; Three UN Workers Hurt

Contact: Suzanne Trimel, 212-633-4150, strimel@aiusa.org

(New York) -- Amnesty International is calling for an immediate and independent investigation into the Israeli army's shelling today of a United Nations compound in Gaza City, disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza's beleaguered civilians and injuring three UN workers. The United Nations Relief and Work Agency (UNRWA) has reported that shells - apparently containing white phosphorous - struck their compound in Gaza City, injuring three people and setting on fire one building that housed emergency humanitarian assistance. UNRWA said that it had repeatedly asked the Israeli army not to fire in the vicinity of the compound. "If the Israeli army deliberately targeted a clearly identified building that houses food and medical supplies to help civilians after having been provided its coordinates, the shelling raises yet further questions about the Israeli Defense Forces conduct in this conflict," said Curt Goering, senior deputy executive director, Amnesty International USA.

"This attack, apparently targeting a clearly identified humanitarian compound, underscores the need for an impartial and thorough investigation into a range of attacks in which civilians were killed or injured and civilian buildings and infrastructure were destroyed," said Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty International's Middle East and North Africa Program. “International law unequivocally forbids attacks against personnel, installations, material, units or vehicles involved in a humanitarian assistance mission,” said Smart. “Deliberate attacks on humanitarian assistance facilities or personnel may constitute a war crime.” Smart said the human rights organization was particularly worried about Israel’s use of what seems to be white phosphorus, a substance that causes severe burns when it comes into contact with skin. Although not banned under international law, white phosphorus is an incendiary weapon which should never be used in densely-populated civilian areas due to its devastating effects.

According to UN officials, at least 700 people remain in the compound seeking shelter while fighting continues. UNRWA said that the attack had prevented trucks from leaving the compound to distribute urgently needed food and medical supplies. Amnesty International is a Nobel Peace Prize-winning grassroots activist organization with more than 2.2 million supporters, activists and volunteers in more than 150 countries campaigning for human rights worldwide. The organization investigates and exposes abuses, educates and mobilizes the public, and works to protect people wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied.

For more information please visit: www.amnestyusa.org

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