Security Chaos and Proliferation of Weapons

Conflicts among Armed Groups or with Security Services

Field Update

19 October 2006

A Palestinian Killed by Unknown Gunmen in Nablus

On Wednesday evening, 18 October 2006, ‘Ammar Hafez al-Taher, 47, from Nablus, was killed by unknown gunmen.

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 19:30, a number of unknown gunmen fired at al-Taher as soon as he exited Ma’zouz al-Masri Mosque in Faisal Street in Nablus. He was wounded by a live bullet to the left side. He was evacuated to Rafidya Hospital, but medical efforts to save his life failed and he was pronounced dead a few minutes later. Al-Taher was a prominent member of Hamas in Nablus. 

PCHR is increasingly concerned over the escalation in the use of weapons by Palestinian armed groups, which constitute a continuation of the state of security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General to investigate this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice.