Security Chaos and Proliferation of Weapons

Attacks on NGOs

Field Update

22 April 2007

American International School in Gaza Attacked

On Saturday morning, 21 April 2007, unknown gunmen bunt and destroyed parts of the building of the American International School (AIS) to the west of Beit Lahia town in the northern Gaza Strip. The building was heavily damaged.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 03:00 on Saturday, 7 masked gunmen broke into the building of the AIS after they had held and handcuffed the guards. They then detonated explosive devices inside the office of the AIS director and the cafeteria. They also bunt parts of the room of teachers and a number of corridors. Immediately, the Civil Defense vehicles arrived at the area and attempted to extinguish fire, which caused heavy damages. According to Dr. Rebhi Salem, the AIS director, the gunmen stole a number of computer sets and printers before leaving the building.

PCHR expresses its utmost concern over the escalation in attacks on cultural institutions, internet cafés and cassette shops. PCHR has documented many of such attacks throughout the Gaza Strip since the beginning of this year.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, which is part of the state of security chaos and proliferation of weapons prevailing in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney General, to investigate such attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.