Physicians for Human Rights-Israel Condemns an Attack by Israeli Civilians Against a Palestinian Hospital

   
29.10.2000
 
PHYSICIANS FOR HUMAN RIGHTS–ISRAEL condemns an attack by Israeli civilians directed against a Palestinian hospital, and demands that the Prime Minister publicly call for respect of medical institutions and human life.
 
This morning at 5:30 am a GMC vehicle stopped opposite the gate of ‘Augusta Victoria’ Hospital in East Jerusalem. One of its three passengers, identified as Jewish by their clothes, got out of the vehicle, directed a gun at the entrance to the hospital, and shot two gunshots at the hospital guard.
 
PHR–Israel has issued a message to the Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, demanding that he and his government publicly call to civilians and military forces alike in Israel, to protect the neutrality of medical personnel and institutions, especially at times of tension and conflict, when basic human principles must be observed.
 
We are aware that a police investigation has commenced regarding this event, but in our opinion this is not sufficient. In order to ensure that such a case does not repeat itself, there is need of an unequivocal message from the Israeli government condemning such conduct and protecting medical institutions and human life itself.
 
If even medical institutions are damaged today, what moral values can remain?