32. Swisa, S., Abu Hashash, M., Abu Rob, A., Daraghmeh, A., Hadad, I., Haj Yehiye, S., Zeydm, S., Amzalek, N., Handlesman, Y., Sakallah, S., and Shnayderman, R. Harm to Medical Personnel: The Delay, Abuse and Humiliation of Medical Personnel by the Israeli Security Forces. Israel: B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights, 2003: 23pp.

This report deals with the Israeli Forces’ (IF) breach of international law. It describes the delay of medical teams at checkpoints, the humiliation and attacks they are subjected to by the IF, and the illegal use of Palestinian ambulances by IF soldiers. The cases described occurred between November 2002 and November 2003. The report does not address the evacuation of individuals who were wounded under fire. The siege policy has made it almost impossible for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move around in the region. Israeli officials repeatedly emphasize that the IF does not harm the civilian population that does not participate in the hostilities. However, the policy is directed against them and affects all aspects of Palestinian life. Over the past three years, going to work, school, or to visit relatives has become an arduous task, subject to physical blockades and staffed checkpoints at which the resident must explain the reason and destination of their travel.