A/HRC/16/24 warning that such an inquiry could violate fundamental human rights.47 Similarly, a bill to punish individuals who call for academic or economic boycotts against Israel was reportedly adopted in its first reading by the Knesset,48 and there are efforts underway as well to discourage organizations that seek to hold IDF soldiers accountable for war crimes in international courts.49 67. The FFM also reported allegations that the security services of the Palestinian Authority had interfered with the work of journalists (A/HRC/12/48, para. 1551). Further, the Committee has received information that the de facto authorities in Gaza, while generally tolerant of local human rights organizations,50 have recently stated that the ICHR is not legally qualified to work in Gaza. 68. Equally distressing are reports that victims who travel to Erez to meet with Israeli military investigators have been summoned for questioning about these contacts by the de facto authorities in Gaza. 69. Given this situation, the Committee wishes to remind all parties that the ability of human rights organizations to function freely and independently is crucial for the improvement of the domestic human rights situation in general, and for the effective functioning of accountability mechanisms in particular. C. The victims’ right to justice and accountability 70. Third, and most importantly, the Committee emphasizes that General Assembly resolution 64/254 called upon the Government of Israel and the Palestinian side to conduct investigations that are independent, credible and in conformity with international standards towards insuring accountability and justice. During its work, the Committee was struck by the testimony of victims on both sides that justice has not been done and that they lack confidence that it is ever likely to be done. For example, a Palestinian resident in Gaza told the Committee that investigations into Operation Cast Lead incidents “were superficial, not significant, and misleading to the international community. Despite our belief that the investigation was not serious we decided to appear and deliver testimony, out of a belief that we are civilians and innocent. But we also believed that in the end, we will end up with nothing. We were correct; the investigation carried out by Israel is just a game, nothing more.”51 71. One Israeli victim of rocket attacks expressed her frustration at the lack of justice and said, “I have no Court, no one to represent me, no one to sue. Is that real justice?”52 She also articulated her disappointment with the international community: “I was disappointed [by the FFM] and found myself feeling more humiliated than ever before in my life because it seemed to me there was no mention of Israeli victims who, like me, have suffered for more than eight years the rockets and mortars, it seemed to me that no one wanted to issue a 47 48 49 50 51 52 Jonathan Lis, “Israel’s Attorney General: probing leftist NGOs infringes on human rights”, Haaretz, 21 February 2011. Available from www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israel-s-attorney-generalprobing-leftist-ngos-infringes-on-human-rights-1.344684. Rebecca Anna Stoil, “Anti-Boycott bill passes first reading in Knesset”, Jerusalem Post, 7 March 2011. Available from www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?ID=211188&R=R1. See for example information available at www.acri.org.il/en/?p=1639. The Committee has also received information that the de facto authorities have taken measures against a broad range of civil society organizations, allegedly for involvement in Fatah affiliated political activities or immoral conduct. Videoconference of 15 March 2011. Teleconference of 14 March 2011. 17