An explosive device detonated
near El-Dira Hotel in Rashid Street west of Gaza City, causing minor damages to
the hotel and no injuries.
PCHR’s preliminary investigation
indicates that at approximately 4:30 on Monday, 21 April, an explosion was heard
in western Gaza City on the beach. It was learned that the explosion was the
result of the detonation of an explosive device in an open lot of land to the
south of E-Dira Hotel. The southern wall of the hotel fence suffered damages,
and a few hotel windows were broken. It is noted that the hotel is two stories
and a restaurant on an area of 1500 square meters.
The motive or perpetrators
behind the explosion are not known. However the Director of Gaza Police, Tawfiq
Jaber, stated that the police immediately reached the area and opened an
investigation. He pointed to the sensitivity of the area; and that the hotel is
a tourist establishment frequented by internationals, journalists, and Gaza
residents.
PCHR is concerned over this
incident that is a continuation of the security chaos. The Centre calls upon the
authorities to investigate the incident and prosecute the perpetrators, if any
are discovered by the investigation. The Centre hopes for a public announcement
of the investigation results.
