Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

21 March 2006

Attacking the Director of Military Police in Khan Yunis

An armed group intercepted the vehicle carrying the Director of Military Police in Khan Yunis, and severely beat him in the central part of the Gaza Strip.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 22:30 on Monday, 20 March 2006, a “Hyundi” with 5 gunmen inside intercepted a military vehicle transporting the director of military police in Khan Yunis, the officer Reziq Mohammad Abu Shahma (44), and 3 assistants. The incident took place along Salah el-Deen Road, near Al-Quds Open University Campus west of El-Bureij refugee camp. As soon as the military vehicle was stopped, 2 cars came from the east. The “Subaru” and “Renault” were full of gunmen firing in the air and in the direction of the military vehicle. They ordered Abu Shahma and the others with him to come out of the car. After they came out, the gunmen severely beat them all over the body. The gunmen then withdrew from the scene.

Abu Shahma was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir El-Balah, from where he was transferred to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society Hospital in Khan Yunis due to the severity of the injuries.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, which constitute a continuum of the state of security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Centre calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks, and to bring the perpetrators to justice.