Al Mezan Center for Human Rights welcomes the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on Wednesday 15 November 2006 in which the Council expresses its shock by the killing of Palestinian civilians in Beit Hanoun, calls for "bringing the perpetrators thereof to justice" and decides to send a high-level fact-finding mission to the town.
The resolution comes after an 8-day Israeli incursion in north Gaza that ended with the killing of 19 Palestinians in their sleep from artillery shelling on 8 November 2006.
In addition to overtly condemning the violations of Palestinians human rights, which it designated as 'gross and systematic', the Council calls for observance of international humanitarian law by all parties and emphasizes compliance with international human rights law and international humanitarian law as well as refraining from violence against civilians.
Moreover, the Council called for urgent appointment and dispatch of a high-level fact finding mission, which "would assess the situation of victims, address the needs of survivors, and make recommendations on ways and means to protect Palestinian civilians against further Israeli assaults".
This resolution comes after the recent announcement of a visit to OPT by the High Commissioner for Human Rights, where she will meet officials and civil society organizations.
The High Commissioner stated that the prime goal of her visit was ensuring the protection of civilians during combat and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to live free from fear and harm.
Al Mezan expresses its appraisal for the HRC resolution and the HCHR's expected visit hopes that their missions will not be restricted by Israel.
The Center also expresses its willingness to provide any help to facilitate their conclusion, which is hoped to constitute a step towards guaranteeing accountability and providing channels of redress to all the victims of human rights violations.
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