1 Citizen Killed in a Clan Dispute

Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Using Weapons in Personal and Clan Disputes

Field Update

1 Citizen Killed in a Clan Dispute

At approximately 19:40 on Saturday, 18 March 2006, the body of Mohammad Na’im Ismail El-Astal, a 26-year old resident of Al-Mawasi area in Khan Yunis, was delivered to Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Upon examination, it was determined that the cause of death was 2 bullets to the right and left parts of the chest.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that the victim was sitting, with one of his brothers, in a tent on the Khan Yunis beach. An unidentified assailant fired at them, hitting the victim, killing him instantly. Palestinian police opened an investigation into the murder. There was information indicating that the incident occurred on the backdrop of clan disputes.

PCHR is concerned about the continuation of internal violence, including the use of weapons in personal and clan disputes, 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.