Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

24 April 2006

Attacks on Public Institutions Continue

Palestinian Gunmen Attack the Ministry of Health Compound in Gaza City

At approximately 14:00 on Sunday, 23 April 2005, armed clashes took place in the Ministry of Health compound in Wehda Street, Gaza City.  The clashes took place between an armed group and a Police force supported by a group from the Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas).  The clashes resulted in 4 injuries, including 1 policeman.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that a group of 7 gunmen attempted to obtain the approval of the Minister of Health, Dr. Basem Na’im, for a request for treatment for a patient abroad.  However, the Minister refused, stating that the request was illegal.  The gunmen fired heavily inside the Ministry building.  A police force was summoned to the scene to apprehend the gunmen.  However the situation escalated and the gunmen clashed with the police, who were supported by members of the Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades.  The clash continued for more than half an hour and resulted in the injury of four people, including a caretaker in the Ministry and a policeman.  The injured were taken to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City for treatment.  

The injured were:

–         Rami Mohammad Yassin, a 25-year-old resident of the Zaitoon neighborhood in Gaza City and a member of the armed group, was injured in the face and feet.  His condition is moderate;

–         Ismail El-Saqqa, a 27-year-old resident of the Zaitoon neighborhood in Gaza City and a member of the armed group, was injured in the face and legs.  His condition is moderate;

–         Karam Shublaq, 17-years old, suffered injures in the abdomen and his condition is moderate.  He is a caretaker in the Ministry of Health and was in the area during the clashes.

–         Mo’een Awad, 24-years old, a policeman injured in the right forearm and his condition is moderate.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack and expresses grave concern over the escalating security chaos in 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.