Security Chaos

Armed Personal and Clan Clashes

Field Update

30 September 2007

Armed Theft of the Offices of Al-Istiqlal Newspaper and Donya El-Watan News Website in Gaza City

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 23:00 on Thursday, 27 September 2007, unknown gunmen broke into the office of Al-Istiqlal Weekly Newspaper that is affiliated with Islamic Jihad. The offices are located in El-Thawra Building in Rimal Quarter in Gaza City. The assailants stole equipment from the offices. The Newspaper’s secretary, Tawfiq Salim informed the Center’s staff that the gunmen broke the main door and stole 7 computers, a fax machine, a television set, and a satellite receiver.

Less than 2 hours later, unknown gunmen broke into the offices of Donya El-Watan News Website located in the first floor of Abu El-Ouf Building in Tal El-Hawa Quarter in Gaza City. They stole some office materials and equipment. Abdallah Issa, the director of the website, informed PCHR’s staff that the gunmen broke the main door and stole 4 computers, office equipment and accessories, and disheveled office furniture and files.

PCHR condemns these two attacks and calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate this crime and prosecute the perpetrators.