Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of Arms by Armed Groups and Security Personnel

Field Update

27 February 2006

Child Killed by a Mishandled Firearm

On Sunday evening, 26 February 2006, Isra’ Khaled Fathi Abu Samra, a 5-year-old from the Al-Amal neighbourhood of Khan Yunis, was accidentally killed as her father was cleaning his firearm. 

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 20:40 on Sunday, the dead body of Isra’ Abu Samra reached Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis.  Examination of the body revealed that she had been hit by a bullet to the head, which killed her instantly.  The bullet was fired from a handgun that her father had been in the process of cleaning in his house.  Isra’s father is a police officer.  The bullet penetrated his left hand before hitting his daughter.

PCHR points to the fact that many other victims of accidents such as this.  The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to take preventive measures to prevent such incidents and safeguard the safety of citizens.