Security Chaos

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and Security Personnel

Field Update

8 August 2007

Hamas Supporter Injured by Unknown Gunmen in Nablus

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicated that at approximately 21:30 on Monday, 6 August 2007, unknown gunmen traveling in a car fired shots at Awni Mohammad Derar El-Obwa (31) as he was walking with his wife Tahani Ahmad El-Obwa. The incident took place in front of the destroyed Muqata compound in Jamal Abdel Naser Street in the eastern part of Nablus. Awni was seriously injured by a bullet in the abdomen. He was taken to the Women’s Union Hospital in Nablus for treatment.

Tahani El-Obwa the following statement to PCHR’s fieldworker: “At approximately 20:30 on Monday, 6 August 2007, my husband, Awni Mohammad Derar, El-Obwa, and I left our house in the Daheya Quarter in the southeast of Nablus. We left the house to walk; and we headed west along Jamal Abdel Naser Street, adjacent to Amman Street. We entered Palestine Street and reached the intersection near El-Ayesheya School. Then we started to walk back home along the same streets. On our way home and when we reached the destroyed Muqata building in Jamal Abdel Naser Street, we sensed a speeding vehicle. It drove by very quickly; and we didn’t see it. Shots were fired from the car. My husband was hit by a bullet in the abdomen. He fell on his back, and screamed. I stopped a taxi, which took my husband to the Women’s Union Hospital in Nablus. He underwent surgery at the hospital. Physicians told me that my husband was injured by a bullet in the right pelvis. One of his kidneys was removed, and his liver was damaged. In addition, parts of his intestines were removed. He is currently in the intensive care unit.”

PCHR is concerned over this crime that constitutes a continuation of the security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate this crime and to prosecute the perpetrators.