Statement of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) on the situation of persons with disabilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

Statement of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) on the situation of persons with disabilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory

Amid the ongoing hostilities in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, the International Disability Alliance has expressed deep concern for persons with disabilities, particularly children, who are disproportionately affected by the conflict. Chair of the International Disability Alliance, Yannis Vardakastanis, stated that people with disabilities often face grave risks when hostilities erupt, and their plight is often overlooked in accountability and documentation processes related to international humanitarian and human rights law violations. While limited information is available about the specific impact on persons with disabilities in the current situation, past experiences in armed conflicts have shown that they are at a heightened risk of serious health consequences and even death. The International Disability Alliance suggests that actions like taking civilians as hostages, denying access to essential resources, indiscriminate bombings, and attacks on medical facilities could potentially constitute war crimes.
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