Security Chaos and Proliferation of Weapons

Attacks on Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

26 March 2006

A Senior Palestinian Officer Shot to the Leg

On Friday, 24 March 2006, Brigadier Mohammed Abu Samra from the Palestinian public security service was shot by a number of militants, when he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip from Egypt.  The militants first attempted to kidnap him, but they failed. 

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 14:10 on Friday, 24 March 2006, Brigadier Mohammed Abu Samra was wounded by live bullets to the left leg near Rafah International Crossing Point, when he was on his way back to the Gaza Strip from Egypt.  At least 15 masked militants attempted to intercept his car to kidnap him, but the drive did not stop and traveled fast.  The militants fired at the car, injuring Abu Samra.  He was evacuated to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis in a moderate to serious condition.   

PCHR is concerned for such attacks, which constitute a continuum 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 these attacks, and bring the perpetrators to justice.