THE HAGUE / GENEVA, Aug. 30, 2024 – Following Israel’s launch of a large-scale military operation across the occupied West Bank, including attacks on Palestinian cities and refugee camps, Executive Director of Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) Hichem Khadharoui said:
“Israel’s launch of a major military operation in the West Bank, in the wake of months of escalating attacks by Israeli forces and settler violence, will undoubtedly result in more civilian deaths and destruction of Palestinian homes and essential infrastructure.This cycle of killings and excessive use of force must stop and Israel must comply with its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
Systematic use of lethal force by Israel in the West Bank has already resulted in the killing of several hundred Palestinians, including more than 140 children, since Oct. 7. With this latest major offensive, the death toll is likely to soar.
We call on Israel to urgently cease its attacks on civilians and populated areas in the West Bank. We further urge all countries with political leverage to act swiftly towards this end and, in particular, call on the United States and other countries delivering arms to Israel to end such transfers immediately.
We also call on all Palestinian armed groups to abide by international humanitarian law, including taking all feasible precautions to avoid exposing civilians to further harm.”
Meanwhile, military weapons and tactics used by Israeli forces continue to cause significant civilian harm and widespread destruction of civilian facilities in the Gaza Strip. CIVIC reiterates its call for a ceasefire, the safe and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian assistance, and the release of all civilian hostages.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, [email protected], +31.6.21.69.68.86 / +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)
CIVIC Communications: [email protected]
Spokespersons available for interviews in English, French, and Arabic
ABOUT CIVIC
Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that envisions a world in which no civilian is harmed in conflict. Founded in 2003 by Marla Ruzicka, CIVIC now has a presence in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Learn more at www.civiliansinconflict.org and follow CIVIC on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.
