Gaza Human Rights group: probe sinking of ship that killed 400 refugees

Human Rights Group Investigates, Calls for International Action in Response to Sinking of Boat Carrying Asylum Seekers

Photos by Mohammed Asad, Gaza Strip, Palestine

(Photo (C) Copyright 2014 Mohammed Asad and may be used with full attribution to Mohammed Asad and The Arab Daily News.)

Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestinian Territories – An international investigation must be launched into the smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of more than 400 desperate migrants on Sept. 15, stated Euro-Mid Observer for Human Rights at a press conference today.

The nonprofit organization based in Geneva and the Gaza Strip just completed the first analysis of the events leading up to the sinking of the ship carrying Palestinians, Syrians, Egyptians, Sudanese and other immigrants from Egypt to Italy.

The organization also concluded that a more humane approach must be developed to address the growing number of refugees, particularly from the Palestinian territories and Syria. Palestinians fleeing the Gaza Strip, which experienced widespread destruction during the recent 50-day assault by Israel, represented the largest contingent among the ill-fated immigrants on board.

“A tremendous amount of misinformation has been circulating about just what happened and why, and the grieving families left behind deserve swift answers,” said Maha Hussaini, spokesperson for Euro-Mid. “It is crucial that our research be followed by a more comprehensive investigation by the international community, particularly the countries involved; that the perpetrators be brought to justice; and that the plight of refugees be dealt with directly and with compassion.”

Of the 400-450 passengers who paid US$2,000-$4,000 for safe passage from Egypt to Italy, only eight survived – five Palestinians from Gaza, one Egyptian and two Syrians (a 19-year-old female and a child). To compile its report, the Euro-Mid team interviewed family members in Gaza, one of the Palestinian survivors and government officials from all countries involved.

The full Euro-Mid report is available at: Here. For more information and interviews, call 00970598435000 or email [email protected]

Photos by Mohammed Asad:

Gazans fleeing to Europe via tunnels, traffickers and boats
Desperate Gazans flee to Europe in risky sea trips
Egyptian Authorities Bar European Medics from Gaza
15 Palestinian Migrants Dead After Boat Capsizes Off Egypt Coast

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Mohammed Asad

Mohammed Asad is a photo journalist based in the Gaza Strip. Friend him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mohammed.asad.90.

photographer Mohammed Asad's photo of Dalia Khalifa won an award in March 2015 at a competition organised by the UN.

'Unbreakable' - is the photo of 9yr old Dalia Khalifa, taken at Al-Shifa Hospital on Aug 9th, 2014. Dalia was badly injured in an Israeli air strike during Operation 'Protective Edge'.

'Unbreakable' is the Grand Jury Winner in the photography competition, organised by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Middle East and North Africa (UN OCHA).

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Mohammed Asad's home in Shujaiyya was destroyed by Israeli missiles, mortars and tank fire on Friday August 1, 2014 while he was documenting the Israeli massacre of civilians in the Gaza Strip. He is now living in temporary housing as he scrambles to find Internet access to share his photographs when possible.]