Dear CHIFA network,
A few days after PHRI’s publication of the conclusions of its report “A Life Exposed <https://www.phr.org.il/en/a-life-exposed-military-invasions-of-palestini...” on forcible invasions by the Israeli military into West Bank homes and the grievous mental health impact on families and children, the Israeli Medical Association responded to PHRI’s letter. PHRI’s letter, sent in January 2021, called on the Israeli Medical Association to take a stance against this practice, which is widespread and requires no judicial warrant or review.
The Israeli Medical Association, in its response, committed to reaching out to the Israeli army to remind them to take into account the mental health impact before undertaking military operations in general, and forcible home invasions specifically.
While this response is encouraging, PHRI’s hope is that there will be a real change in the practice, as the way it currently stands, military law does not limit invasion into Palestinian homes to exceptional cases, and the circumstances in which homes may be searched are defined broadly and vaguely, all while the mental health repercussions are clear cut. For that, a clear statement opposing this policy must be made by the medical community.
Kind regards,
Dana
Dana Moss
International Advocacy Coordinator
03-5133105 03-6873029 054-5753426
9 Dror st. Jaffa Tel Aviv
www.phr.org.il<http://www.phr.org.il/>
CHIFA profile: Dana Moss is International Advocacy Coordinator at Physicians for Human Rights Israel. Professional interests: vulnerable communities. Email address: dana@phr.org.il
