Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Clashes between Armed Groups or Security Forces

Field Update

30 May 2006

4 Injured in Internal Violence in Khan Yunis

Four citizens were injured on Monday, 29 May 2006, in the center of the town of Bani Suheila, when gunmen opened fire at three shops in the town.  

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 17:15 on Monday, four gunmen entered the center of Bani Suheila and fired at the Hamza bookshop owned by Akram El-Reqeb, a bicycle repair shop owned by Husam Abu Eleyan, and a restaurant owned by Zaki El-Derdeisi.  The shooting caused panic in the area and four pedestrians were injured.  In addition, both the bookshop and bicycle repair shop were damaged in the attack.  The injured citizens are:

–         Yehya Fayeq Abu Libda (19), injured by a bullet to the abdomen;

–         Salman Tawfiq Abu Libda (28), sustained shrapnel injuries to the right foot;

–         Ahmad Rabah Baraka (15), sustained shrapnel injuries to the right shoulder; and

–         Wajih Ibrahim F’seifis (38), sustained shrapnel injuries to the legs.

The injured were taken to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis for treatment, where their conditions were described as moderate.  

PCHR is strongly condemns this incident, and:

–         is gravely concerned over the continued number of deaths and injuries resulting from the misuse of weapons, which has become a prominent feature of the ongoing security chaos in the region;

–         calls upon Palestinian factions to engage in dialogue in order to resolve disputes, and to refrain from violence and use of weapons, which threaten the lives of civilians and their security; and

–         calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these incidents and bring the perpetrators to justice.