Israel/Occupied Territories/Palestinian Authority: Hebron must not be another Jenin - Tit-for-tat killings must stop

Today in Tel Aviv, Irene Khan, met relatives of Israelis killed by suicide bombers and in other attacks by Palestinian armed groups. She expressed her deep concern at the suffering of civilians on all sides.

'As the father of a sixteen-year-old girl killed in a 1996 suicide bombing said to me today 'we must stop this endless cycle of violence',' said Irene Khan.

As the delegation was meeting victims of suicide attacks, the Israeli army was entering Hebron where nine Palestinian were reportedly killed, at least 30 were wounded, and dozens have been arrested in house-to-house searches.

Having witnessed the devastation in Jenin refugee camp yesterday, Irene Khan said that she was very concerned about the safety of the people of Hebron and expressed fears of a repetition of Jenin.

Irene Khan also went to the Shiva Tel Hashomar Medical Centre and met victims of suicide attacks, including a 25-year-old woman paralysed as the result of the suicide attack on 27 March in Park Hotel.

Irene Khan said she was deeply concerned by and condemned Saturday's killing of four Jewish settlers including a five-year-old girl. When claiming responsibility for the attack, Hamas reportedly referred to Israeli military action in the Occupied Territories.

'International law is clear, there is no justification for the intentional killing of civilians. The international community should now listen and act upon the calls of the victims,' Irene Khan said.