Security Chaos and Proliferation of Weapons

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and Security Personnel

Field Update

22 July 2008

Member of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades Killed and two injured, Including a Child, by Bomb in Gaza

In the early hours of Tuesday, 22 July 2008, a member of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas), was killed, and two persons, including a child, also injured, when a bomb they were handling exploded in the al-Shoja’eya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. This incident is part of the security chaos and misuse of weapons continuing to plague the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 01:00 on Tuesday, 22 July, Khalil Ibrahim Jundiya (30), a member of the ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades, was killed, and 14 year old Hamza Ahmed Jundiya injured, along with an unidentified adult, whilst the three of them were handling the bomb.  

The ‘Izziddin al-Qassam Brigades later issued a statement mourning the death of Khalil Ibrahim Jundiya, indicating that he was killed as a result of ‘a mistake’ whilst handling a weapon.

PCHR remains gravely concerned about the increasing number of casualties resulting from the continuing misuse of weapons in the OPT. The Centre calls upon the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure the non-recurrence of such incidents, and to provide protection for all Palestinian civilians.