Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Armed Clashes between Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update

13 December 2006

 

Palestinian Killed and 3 Injured in Escalating Tension in the OPT

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 7:40 on Wednesday, 13 December 2006, gunmen in two vehicles shot and killed Bassam Abdel Malek Abdel Salam El-Farra, a 32-year old resident of Khan Yunis. The victim worked as the Director of Family Counseling in Sharia Courts in the southern Gaza Strip. And he was a commander in Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions, the armed wing of Hamas. The incident took place near the Bani Suhaila Sharia Court to the east of Khan Yunis. El-Farra was killed by several bullets to the head and chest.

In another incident at approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 12 December 2006, gunmen intercepted the vehicle of Ibrahim Jamil Mohammad Asabna (43-year old resident of Fahma village southeast of Jenin), who is a Hamas activist. The incident took place at the eastern entrance of Kafr Ra’e village. The gunmen forced Asabna out of the car and fired several bullets at him, hitting him with 4 bullets in the legs. He was taken to Razi Hospital in Jenin for treatment, where his injury was listed as serious.

At approximately 11:00 on Tuesday, gunmen and security force members participating in a demonstration against the murder of 3 children in Gaza a day earlier exchanged fire with members of the Interior Ministry Executive Force near the Mujama’ Islami Mosque east of Khan Yunis. Nafith Fawzi Abu Daqqa, a 29-year old member of the General Intelligence Apparatus, was injured by a bullet in the left thigh. In addition, Ahmad Kamel Abu Libda (27) suffered a concussion. Both were taken to Naser Hospital for treatment. Abu Libda was later transferred to the European Hospital due to the severity of his injury.

PCHR is concerned over the continued falling of victims due to the use of arms by armed groups and security forces, which is part of the security chaos plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The Centre reiterates the call to the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to seriously investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

 

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