Mr. Ban Ki-moon
Secretary-General
United Nations
New York, NY 10017
Dear Secretary-General,
I am writing with some important recommendations as you embark on your trip to address the crisis in Gaza. We see an urgent need for measures and mechanisms that will protect civilians, provide long-term as well as short-term humanitarian relief and rehabilitation, and ensure accountability and deter future violations of international humanitarian law. We therefore urge you to give priority to these areas in your discussions in the region and your public calls for action.
Protection of Civilians
Given the exigency of protecting civilians in Gaza, we urge you to send several clear messages to both parties to the conflict and neighboring states. In particular, we would urge you to: * a strong statement, underscoring the importance of both parties' full and stringent compliance with international humanitarian law. All those who violate the laws of war must know that they will be held accountable in the future for their actions; a firm warning from you now can help save lives. * Insist that Egypt and Israel do the maximum to permit the evacuation of civilians through their borders as there is no safe place for civilians within Gaza. As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees António Guterres told the Security Council on January 8, Israel and Egypt must respect the universal right of those fleeing war to seek safety in other states, as well as their right to return upon the conclusion of hostilities. * Urge that Israel take all feasible precautions to avoid indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks, cease attacks that assume that political entities are valid military targets, and not use white phosphorus "obscurants" in densely populated areas. * Urge that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups in Gaza cease firing rockets at population centers in Israel, and