Date: 07 / 01 / 2009  Time:  23:40
Bethlehem - Ma'an -

Amnesty International has urged the UN Security Council to demand that Israel, Hamas and Palestinian armed groups observe an immediate truce in Gaza, according to a statement received by Ma'an.

The international human rights organization called for the ceasefire "to allow desperately needed humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered civilian population, evacuation of the wounded and safe refuge for civilians wishing to flee the conflict zone."

"Civilians in Gaza are trapped in an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, and need immediate respite," said Malcolm Smart, Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa Programme.

"It is abundantly clear that the parties to this conflict are failing to respect international humanitarian law, and that the civilian population of Gaza is paying a very heavy price," Smart added.

"Eleven days into the conflict and amid a mounting toll of civilian casualties in Gaza, calls for a ceasefire have as yet gone unheeded by both Israel and Hamas,” he said

"In the absence of a ceasefire, an immediate humanitarian truce is urgently needed to protect the civilian population. The fighting must stop long enough so that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need and so that those who want to leave can be evacuated," Smart said.

"An immediate pause in hostilities would at least make it possible for basic assistance to be got to civilians in dire need, permit the evacuation and treatment of the wounded and the burial of the dead," the Amnesty coordinator said.

"It would also allow civilians trapped in Gaza an opportunity to leave the conflict zone safely to seek refuge with the assistance of neighbouring states where necessary, allow emergency repairs to essential infrastructure, and ensure that humanitarian workers can provide protection and assistance in safety," he added.

Amnesty International says it has repeatedly urged Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to end attacks on civilians and other violations of international humanitarian law, and to allow access to humanitarian assistance. The organization has urged the UN Security Council and the international community to ensure compliance with international law, it claimed.

However, "civilians–particularly the 1.5 million Palestinians trapped in Gaza–continue to both be targeted and suffer disproportionately in this conflict," the group said in a statement.