Statement: From Bulldozers to Rubble, HI Condemns Systemic Attacks on Jenin’s Disability Center and Calls for Protection

Humanity & Inclusion strongly denounces the destruction of the health clinic of its local partner, Al-Jaleel Society for Care and Community-based Rehabilitation.

This is the seventh time the Community Centre has come under attack as part of the ongoing Israeli military operation since January 2025 in the Jenin refugee camp. Previously, the entrance was bulldozed, and the Centre was stormed by Israeli forces, shattering the windows and walls. Now rendered destroyed, the Centre was used to provide rehabilitation services, including prosthetics and orthotics, psychosocial support, physical therapy, and occupational therapy for people with visual and hearing impairments, for thousands of people.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), specifically Article 11, obligates Israel to take all necessary measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities in situations of risk, including armed conflict.

Targeting healthcare facilities and hindering medical services constitute grave breaches of Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Humanity and Inclusion and Al Jaleel call on third states to intervene to ensure respect for the International Humanitarian Law and protect civilians and health premises.

In light of Article 1 of the Geneva Convention, third states should take all possible steps to ensure that the rules are respected by all parties, including suspending the transfer and sale of weapons, parts, and ammunition where there is a clear risk and evidence of their use in committing violations.

Across the Occupied Palestinian Territory, attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop, and humanitarian actors must be allowed access to help the most vulnerable and affected communities, especially persons with disability.