Ref: 12/2014
Date: 12 February 2014
Time: 09:00 GMT
Concerning "Pillar of Defense" Victims, For the First Time Israeli Committee Headed by General Doron Almog Initiates
Investigation in a Case Followed-up by PCHR
For the first time concerning operation "Pillar of Defense" victims, the Israeli authorities responded to the
Palestinian Centre for Human Rights' (PCHR) demand and initiated an investigation in the case of targeting the
photography section of al-Quds satellite channel. The Israeli authorities formed an investigation committee headed by
Israeli General Doron Almog and the legal advisor of the Israeli Ministry of Defense. On 10 February 2014, PCHR's
lawyers received a request from the liaison office at Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing that the witnesses – eight staff
members from the photography section – should testify before the committee.
On 11 February 2014, only six victims: Darweesh Bolbol, director of photography section; photographer Mohammed
al-Akhras; photographer Khader al-Zahhar; assistant photographer Omar al-Efranji; sound technician Hussein al-Madhoun
and driver Hazem al-Da'our headed to Beit Hanoun crossing to testify. Lawyers Mohammed al-Alami and Mohammed Bseiso from
PCHR accompanied the victims.
The case relates to the attack that took place on 18 November 2012, when Israeli warplanes fired a number of missiles at
al-Quds channel's photography section in a building in Gaza City. As a result of the attack, the section was partially
damaged while eight staff members inside sustained various wounds.
The eight victims empowered PCHR to follow up the case. On 08 January 2013, PCHR filed a complaint to the Israeli
Military Prosecutor of Operational Affairs calling for initiating a criminal investigation in the attack. On 12 May
2013, PCHR received a positive reply from the Military Prosecutor that an investigation in the attack would take place
and that a committee headed by a senior officer would be formed for that purpose.
It should be noted that Israeli forces launched a military offensive on the Gaza Strip (14-21 November 2012) codenamed
operation "Pillar of Defense", during which hundreds of victims were killed or wounded.
From the very beginning, PCHR documented the Israeli violations and crimes against Palestinian civilians, built 79 legal
files and contacted the Israeli Military Prosecutor. PCHR received 24 negative replies and 2 replies on initiating
investigations in 2 incidents related to targeting journalists, including journalists working at al-Quds satellite
channel.
ENDS