20 July 2006
International Committee of the Red Cross
GENEVA, Switzerland / TEL AVIV, Israel - July 20 - During a military operation in Nablus that began on the night of 18 July, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) occupied the premises of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), blocking the entrance and hindering the movement of ambulances, patients and staff.
This action shows grave disregard by the IDF for its obligation to respect and protect medical units. Since 19 July, the ICRC has repeatedly raised this issue with the Israeli authorities and called on the IDF to immediately leave the premises of the PRCS.
The PRCS runs emergency medical services and a rehabilitation centre for disabled children on its premises in Nablus, which are used for strictly humanitarian and medical purposes and which must therefore be kept safe from any form of military action or presence.
The PRCS is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Its medical units, which are clearly identified by the red crescent emblem, are entitled to full protection under international humanitarian law.
