A doctor from Gaza demanded that “the perpetrators should take responsibility” for killing three of his daughters and his niece and wounding others in January of 2009 during Operation Cast Lead at a press conference on Tuesday.

The press conference leads into his civil wrongful death case against Israel in the Beersheba District Court on Wednesday.

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish’s lawsuit against the State of Israel stems from an IDF tank shelling his house during the 2008-9 Gaza war.

The suit demands Israel acknowledge responsibility for the deaths and injuries of his daughters, ages 13, 15 and 21, and his niece, and formally apologize and compensate Dr. Abuelaish’s family.

Abuelaish, who has since moved to Canada, has said any damages awarded will be donated to the Daughters for Life Foundation, a registered Canadian Charity established in memory of his three daughters and niece.

B’Tselem said that the foundation promotes education opportunities for women and girls of Middle Eastern background.

Last week, B’Tselem produced a report claiming that Israel has passed a series of laws and regulations making it nearly impossible for Palestinians like Abuelaish to win such cases.

Share This Post