Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms
Extra-Judicial Executions of Suspected Collaborators with Israeli Security Services
Field Update
11 June 2006
Two Civilians Killed and One Injured by Gunmen in Nablus
Two Palestinians were killed and a third injured in two extra-judicial execution operations carried out by armed Palestinian groups. The perpetrators claimed that the victims had been informants working for the Israeli security services.
PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 15:30 on Thursday, 8 June 2006, Palestinian gunmen shot Ihab Mohammad Salem El-Hashash, a 22-year-old resident of Balata refugee camp, east of Nablus. The incident took place in Sikka Street and the victim was instantly killed. After the shooting, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, distributed a leaflet announcing that it was responsible for the killing of El-Hashash, and claiming that he had been collaborating with Israeli security services.
And at approximately 23:30 on Friday, 9 June 2006, Palestinian gunmen shot Nada Abu Khozayran (55) and Husam Suliman El-Sallaj (28), both residents of Balata refugee camp. Abu Khozayran was killed and El-Sallaj was wounded by bullets to the legs. Medical sources indicated that his condition is critical. After the shooting, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the armed wing of Fatah, distributed a leaflet announcing its responsibility for the shooting, and claiming that the targeted Palestinians had been collaborating with Israeli security services.
According to PCHR’s statistics, eight Palestinians have been extra-judicially executed since the beginning of 2006 for alleged collaboration with Israeli security services.
PCHR is worried about the continuation of extra-judicial executions carried out by armed Palestinian groups, against persons accused of collaboration with the Israeli security services. The Centre stresses the following:
– These crimes are a form of extra-judicial execution and are, therefore, a serious violation of human rights;
– The legal pursuit of informants or those suspected of collaborating with Israel is the duty of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) and its designated branches. This must be done within the framework of the law, where suspects are ensured of all their legal rights, including the right to a fair trial; and
– The Centre reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty under all circumstances, as it is a serious violation of human rights, especially the right to life and the right to freedom from torture and cruel and inhumane treatment.
