Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and Security Forces

Field Update

16 Jul 2006

3 Killed, including 2 Children, and 2 others Injured in Incidents of “Misusing & Mishandling” Weapons

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 11:00 on Thursday, 13 July 2006, Ahmad Hamed Abdel Qader El-B’reim, a 22-year old resident of Bani Suheila (east of Khan Yunis), was injured by shrapnel in the face and right hand caused by the explosion of an unknown device he has handling in the Satar El-Sharqi area in Khan Yunis. He was taken to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis for treatment, where his condition is listed as moderate.

At approximately 14:00 on the same day, Shifa Hospital announced the death of Eman Ahmad Atteya Abu Khosa, a 12-year old resident of El-Seyafa area north of Beit Lahya. She died of wounds sustained on Monday 10 July 2006 when a locally produced rocket fell near her house, seriously injuring her with shrapnel throughout her body.

At approximately 15:30 on the same day, Mahmoud Moussa Mohammad Lubbad, a 45-year old resident of Sheikh Radwan Quarter in Gaza City, was killed by a bullet that hit him in the chest. The bullet was fired by gunmen during the wedding of Lubbad’s kinsman. Sources at Shifa Hospital informed PCHR’s fieldworker that Lubbad was dead when he was brought to the hospital, with the cause of death being a bullet to the chest that killed him instantly.

At approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 11 July 2006, Sufian Hamed Othman El-Agha (25) was admitted to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis. He was injured by a bullet in the right shoulder. He was injured by a shot fired by gunmen celebrating a wedding in a venue near his house in Satar El-Gharbi area in Khan Yunis.

At approximately 17:00 on Thursday, 8 July 2006, Eyad Husam S’rour, a 16-year old resident of Jabalia refugee camp, was killed by a bullet that struck him in the head. S’rour was visiting a friend in Shifa Hospital. He was looking outside a window when a bullet struck him. It was fired by gunmen in the funeral procession of a Palestinian killed during the Israeli incursion in Beit Lahya.

PCHR is gravely concerned over the continued number of deaths and injuries resulting from the misuse of weapons and storing weapons in civilian areas, which have become prominent features of the ongoing security chaos in the region.  The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to take preventive measures to prevent such incidents and safeguard the safety of citizens.