PALESTINE: Palestinians forced through x-ray machine

On February 18, the Israeli government set up an x-ray machine at the Rafah International Crossing Point, and forced all Palestinians trying to leave Gaza that way to submit to an enhanced x-ray process, that included taking naked photographs. The process also carries the same health risks as all x-rays. After intense protests, led by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, pointing out Israel was imposing collective punishment; violating privacy guarantees; and risking Palestinians health, Israel switched to "targeted" rather than "universal" use of the machine on April 6. However, rumours abound that the machines are compulsory in the just opened tunnels complex at the Eratz checkpoint into Israel. This complex funnels Palestinians into a separate tunnel, out of sight of Israelis and foreigners. To protest the machines' use, visit <http://www.pchrgaza.org>.

From Green Left Weekly, April 13, 2005.

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From GLW issue 622