Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

23 March 2006

Arson Attack on a School in Gaza in the Context of a Previous Armed Dispute

A group of about 50 students, from the Nile Secondary School for Boys in the Tal El-Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza City, set the ground floor of the school on fire.  The incident took place in the context of previous clashes between Palestinian police and a clan in the area.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 8:30 on Thursday, 23 March 2006, a group of 50 students set the school on fire in protest against clashes which had taken place the previous day, resulting in the death of Eyad Mohammad El-Deiri.[1]  The students are thought to be related to the clans, who had taken part in the armed clashes with the police on the previous day.

The students placed burning tires at the door of the principal’s office and the secretary’s office.  The fire burned down the two offices and guards’ room completely.  In addition, other parts of the ground floor were damaged in the blaze.  The students left the school, taking a computer belonging to the school with them.

PCHR learned that the school administration decided to suspend school for the day, fearing a repetition or escalation of the clashes seen on Wednesday.

PCHR is concerned about the continuation of dangerous attacks such as this, which only serve to deepen the current state of security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  The Centre reiterates its call upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice.