A/HRC/5/20 page 17 community - through the Human Rights Council - decided to send an independent fact-finding mission to the town. To date this has not been possible. Despite the passing of time and the consequent possible loss of evidence, the members of the Mission feel strongly that the need remains for an investigation as requested by the Council with a view to formulating recommendations for the protection of the human rights of individuals in the area. 14. On behalf of Archbishop Tutu, I would like to express our appreciation to those individuals and organizations who provided us with briefings on the situation in Beit Hanoun, as well as those who had agreed to assist and meet with us in Gaza and in Israel. -----