Field Update

Today morning, 20 July 2017, unknown gunmen opened fire at 2 civilians in Jericho in the West Bank, killing one of them and wounding the other.  This incidents is part of the state of proliferation of weapons and assault on the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 08:45 on Thursday, 20 July 2017, ‘Issa hasan Hussein Qreinat (37) was killed and one of his relatives (60) was wounded while passing by the southern entrance to Jericho. This happened after unknown gunmen traveling a car opened fire at them and fled away.  Qreinat arrived as a dead body at Jericho Hospital due to being hit with several bullets, mainly in the upper part of his body.  Meanwhile, the wounded civilian was taken to the abovementioned hospital, and his condition was described as moderate.

The Palestinian police arrived at the scene and opened investigation into the incident.  The police started searching for the perpetrator, who is known to them, believing the crime is on grounds of “family honor”.

PCHR condemns the killing of Qreinat and is concerned over the increasing number of victims due to the use of firearms.  Thus, PCHR calls upon the competent authorities to take the necessary measures to end the phenomenon of proliferation of weapons and to maintain the safety and security of civilians.