Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

10 May 2006

Armed Group Attacks the Office of the Khan Yunis Mayor and Threatens to Kill Him

Yesterday afternoon, an armed group attacked the Khan Yunis Municipality building.  The group stormed into the Mayor’s office, while firing gunshots into the air, and threatened to kill him.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 13:05 on Tuesday, 9 May 2006, a group of about twenty gunmen attacked the municipality building and fired gunshots into the air.  The group then stormed the office of the Mayor, Dr. Fayez Abu Shammala.  They threatened to kill the Mayor, if the municipality takes any action with regard to beach cabins and tents, which have been taken over illegally by members of the public, the security forces and various armed factions, on Khan Yunis beach.  The armed gunmen claimed to represent the cabin owners affected by the municipality decision to issue a notice requesting that the cabin owners “correct their legal situation and apply for the necessary permission”.

It is noted that many citizens, as well as members of armed groups and the security forces, have seized cabins built on the beach and have also set up rest areas for beach goers expected to fill the beach this summer. 

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, which is a further incident in the security chaos currently plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice