IHL also takes into account the fact that women are mothers and may be particularly vulnerable to certain forms of violence, so they are in need of special protection as codified in Article (١٦) of the Fourth Geneva Convention: “The wounded and sick, as well as the infirm, and expectant mothers, shall be the object of particular protection and respect.” Since the Israeli military aggression starte. [...] One day after arriving to the south, particularly on ٢٢ November ٢٠٢٣, I went for a checkup, but the doctor told me that I had miscarried due to intense fear and fatigue as while evacuating, I carried ٢ heavy bags: one on my back and the other on my chest as my children were too young to help me. [...] I cried a lot as I waited so long to get pregnant.” ٦ In times of armed conflict, women are entitled to the guarantees granted by IHL to all protected civilians, including the right to humane treatment at all times and to protection from all acts of violence or threats thereof. [...] IHL ensures this special care as the Fourth Geneva Convention stipulates that pregnant women shall be the object of particular protect٧ion and respect.٧ Pregnant women come under the category of “the sick and wounded” and hence enjoy the same rights to which the wounded and sick are entitled under IHL. [...] I am also afraid to go to hospital without them, fearing that a nearby bombing might occur ١٦ while I am not around or not be able to come back.” These crimes committed by IOF against the medical units and their medical personnel are blatant violations of IHL rules binding the occupying power not to render civilian hospitals organized to give care to the wounded and sick, the infirm and maternity.
- Pages
- 11
- Published in
- Palestine, State of
