Security Chaos

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and/or Security Personnel

Field Update

7 October 2007

2 Palestinians Killed in Nablus and Gaza

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 5:30 on Sunday, 7 October 2007, the body of Rami Khader Ibrahim Ayyad (30) from Gaza City was found near the Shuhada Muja’ma Islami Mosque in Zaitoon Quarter in Gaza City. Ayyad was abducted at 16:00 on Saturday, 6 October 2007, by unknown assailants as he was returning home from work. He worked in the Holy Book Association. Forensic sources indicated that Ayyad was killed by two bullets to the head and chest. The motives for the crime remain unknown. However, it is noted that unknown assailants detonated an explosive device at the entrance of the Association on 15 April 2007, causing extensive damages.[1]

And at approximately 21:00 on Saturday, 6 October 2007, unknown gunmen traveling in a car shot Hadi Jamal Abu El-So’oud (28) as he was driving his car in the village of Kufr Qalil southeast of Nablus. Abu El-So’oud was hit by 6 bullets in the back. He was taken to Rafedia Hospital in Nablus for treatment. However, efforts to save his life failed. His death was announced at 00:00 on the following day. The Nablus Police informed PCHR’s fieldworker that an investigation was opened into the incident; and that preliminary police investigations point that the crime was motivated by a clan dispute between two clans in Kufr Qalil and Huwara near Nablus.

PCHR is concerned over the continued falling of victims as a result of the security chaos in the OPT. The Centre reiterates the call to the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate this crime and prosecute the perpetrators.