Ref: 140/2007
Date: 18 October 2007
Time: 12:30 GMT
4 Persons Killed and 24 Others Wounded in Armed Clashes between the Police and a Clan
PCHR calls upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to investigate armed clashes between the police and a clan in the east of Gaza City, in which 4 persons were killed and 24 others were wounded. PCHR is concerned that excessive and disproportionate force might have been used against civilians. PCHR also believes that the use of weapons by clans is a form of security chaos.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 21:00 on Wednesday, 17 October 2007, armed clashes erupted between militants from the Helles clan and the Palestinian police in al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. Machine guns and bombs were used in the clashes, which continued until the early morning of Thursday. Three members of the Helles clan and a policeman were killed in those clashes:
1) Yousef Mustafa Abu Touha, 20, a policeman, hit by several gunshots to the neck, the face and the foot;
2) Eyad ‘Omar Helles, 20, hit by several gunshots throughout the body;
3) Samer Ref’at Helles, 20, hit by several gunshots to the lower limbs; and
4) Hussam ‘Ali Helles, 30, a surgeon, hit by several gunshots to the limbs.
In addition, 9 policemen and 15 members of the Helles clan were wounded. A house belonging to Colonel ‘Aadel Mohammed Helles (Abu Ramzi), who used to work at the police investigation bureau prior to Hamas’ takeover of the Gaza Strip, was also destroyed.
In light of the above:
1) PCHR calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these clashes and bring those who broke the law to justice.
2) While PCHR realized the challenges that may face security forces in enforcing the law, it stresses the necessity of having clear instructions for the use of firearms by law enforcement officials that conform to international standards and ensure respect for human rights.
3) PCHR condemns the armament of clans, which constitutes a form of security chaos, and believes that such weapons must be confiscated.
