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Chris Sidoti: 'Israel' deliberately destroying Gaza healthcare system

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
12 Oct 2024 04:38
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A member of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Chris Sidoti, stated that the Israeli delegation's statements in Geneva are not taken seriously, asserting that their claims and comments on the report are based on falsehoods.

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Chris Sidoti, member of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, briefs reporters on the first report of the Commission in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 14, 2022. (UN photo)

Chris Sidoti, member of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, provided Al Mayadeen with insights into the report issued by the committee, which faced strong criticism from the occupation authorities. The report stated that "Israel deliberately destroyed the healthcare sector in Gaza, which constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity." Sidoti stressed that those involved in armed conflicts must adhere to basic principles to ensure their actions remain lawful.

Sidoti explained that these principles require distinguishing between civilians and combatants. "We observe that targeting and destroying the healthcare sector and its workers in Gaza does not align with these principles," he explained

He further noted, "Hospitals were targeted, leading to extensive destruction, with no distinction made between combatants and civilians, and there was no proportionality in the use of force. The Israeli forces have not demonstrated that their actions were reasonable or necessary. Upon examining the attacks on the healthcare sector, we fully understand that these are protected properties, and these individuals are protected under international law."

Sidoti emphasized that the collected evidence "clearly indicates deliberate, targeted attacks" on Gaza's healthcare system, describing these actions as efforts aimed at "its destruction." He stressed that such actions amount to "a war crime and a crime against humanity."

Violations in Israeli prisons by order of Ben-Gvir

Sidoti disclosed that the harsh mistreatment of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons is being carried out under directives from Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. He remarked, "Palestinian detainees in Israeli military detention centers and prisons face horrific treatment." The evidence was gathered through interviews with released detainees, as well as reviews of reports from Israeli sources and statements by Israeli authorities, especially those from Ben-Gvir, who oversees the prison system. Sidoti further noted that their findings revealed that "detainees are subjected to mistreatment and torture, including sexual violence and, in some cases, rape. This abuse primarily targets boys and men, with a significant number of children suffering such mistreatment."

The UN official also told Al Mayadeen, "Take the example of sexual violence—there is absolutely no excuse for it, yet it appears to be a widespread practice against detainees and prisoners in Israeli detention, whether in military or civilian facilities. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, amounting to a crime against humanity for all those detained."

'Israel lies, and no one takes its statements seriously'

In response to a question about the campaign led by the Israeli delegation in Geneva against the committee and its report accusing "Israel" of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity, the UN committee member said, "The Israeli delegation in Geneva represents the Israeli government. No one takes the Israeli government or its delegation seriously on anything they say, as they lie, and their comments on the report are lies."

He continued, "It's that simple. The committee did not say, suggest, or imply any of the things raised by the Israeli delegation in Geneva. These are lies that no one takes seriously and should not be taken seriously."