Launch of the fact finding mission report in Brussels and Jerusalem on 6th April

Media Advisory: Press Briefing

simulatenous in Jerusalem and Brussels

Independent medical fact-finding mission commissioned by Physicians for Human Rights – Israel (PHR) and the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) confirms violations of health-related human rights and severe violations of International Humanitarian Law during the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip, 27.12.2008 – 18.01.2009

What Release and briefing on a report which follows the only independent medical fact-finding mission, conducted by five independent experts in the fields of forensic medicine, burns, medical response to crises and public health, from Germany, Denmark, South Africa and Spain. The experts conducted the investigation in Gaza between 29 January and 5 February 2009, along with a second mission to hospitals in Egypt, where some of the most seriously wounded were being treated, between 2 March and 7 March 2009.

The report:

· details 44 deeply distressing testimonies by civilians and medical personnel who came under attack;

· provides first-hand evidence regarding the broader effects of the attacks on a civilian population;

· confirms suspicions with regard to serious violations; and

· underlines the need for an impartial international investigation into violations of human rights committed in during the offensive.

Click to read report summary under strict embargo until Monday, April 6 at 11:00

Who Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR-Israel) and the Palestinian Medical Relief Society (PMRS) launch the report in Jerusalem, as its authors simultaneously launch the report in Brussels.

Where Mishkenot She’ananim, Jerusalem (Djanogly Hall)

When Monday, April 6, 10:30 am

Media Press conference given in English

RSVP -- Libby Friedlander, 054-245-7682 (sms welcome) | libby@benor.co.il