For Immediate Release

HRN Expresses Grave Concern Over the Intensified Act of Attack on Gaza

and Urges Both Sides to Stop the Violence

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have intensified their air attack on the Gaza strip since the killing of Ahmed Al-Jabari, on 14 November, 2012. It has been reported that the IDF's air attack continued for 4 days and targeted more than 150 premises throughout the Gaza strip.

According to human rights organizations based in Gaza, the IDF killed 27 civilians, including 10 children and 5 women. Another 520 civilians, including 140 children and 48 women have been wounded. A rocket attack conducted by Hamas also caused the deaths of 3 people.

Other reports indicate that Israel is preparing for a ground invasion on Gaza. According to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel is prepared to significantly escalate its military operation on Gaza.

Human Rights Now (HRN), an international human rights NGO based in Tokyo, expresses grave concern over the further escalation of violence and the recurrence of serious human rights violations which constitute war crimes.

HRN urges both sides to stop any further offensive acts which may escalate the conflict, and in particular, strongly urges Israel to refrain from any ground invasion which will cause additional casualties among innocent people.

HRN calls on both sides to respect international human rights and humanitarian law and refrain from attacks against civilians.

HRN calls upon the international community to immediately intervene in the situation in order to restore the rule of law and protect human rights and peace.