GAZA, April 18, 2008, (WAFA)-Palestinian Center for Human Rights PCHR strongly condemns the crime committed by Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) on Wednesday evening, which claimed the life of Fadel Shana’a, a Palestinian journalist, when he carrying out his job in Gaza.
In a press release, PCHR expresses utmost concern over continued crimes committed by IOF against Journalists and media professionals, which is a reflection of excessive use of force against civilians, and systematic targeting of journalists to prevent them from covering crimes committed against civilians.
According to information obtained by PCHR, and the testimony of Wafa Abu Mezyed, a Reuters soundman who was wounded in the attack, at approximately 17:00 on Wednesday, 16 April 2008, Fadel Subhi Shana’a, 23, a cameraman, and Wafa Younsi Abu Mezyed, 25, a soundman, both working for Reuters, were near al-Ihasn Mosque in Juhor al-Dik village, southeast of Gaza City, photographing crimes committed by IOF in the area When they finished their work, Shana’a and Abu Mezyed traveled in their sport utility vehicle bearing 'TV' and 'Press' markings towards Salah al-Din Street to leave the village. Abu Mezyed Sated:
“When we were traveling towards Salah al-Din Street, Israeli military vehicles were nearly 700 meters away from us. We stopped and got out of the vehicle and Shana’a started to photograph the military vehicles. We were wearing bulletproof suits and carrying cameras. When I was driving a number of children away from us, I was surprised by a shell falling near Shana’a who was standing near the vehicle. I saw him falling on the ground and I was wounded by shrapnel to the left hand. Another shell hit the back of the vehicle, and I was wounded by shrapnel to the pelvis and the right foot. I cried and ran towards ambulances to save us.”
Immediately, ambulances evacuated Shana’a and Abu Mezyed to al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in Deir al-Balah. According to medical sources, Shana’a was brought the hospital dead.
PCHR reiterated its calls for the international community and the High Contracting Parties of the 1949 Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War to fulfill their obligation to ensure respect for the Convention in all circumstances, and to immediately intervene to stop grave breaches of the Convention perpetrated by IOF.
