Palestinian Killed in Family Dispute in Gaza City

Field updates

A Palestinian was shot dead during a family dispute which broke out yesterday evening, 24 May 2021, in eastern Gaza City. This incident is part of the state of proliferation of weapons and assault on the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR), on Monday evening, 24 May 2021, a family dispute broke out between brothers of (J) family in al-Sidra neighborhood, east of Gaza City, as one of the brothers opened fire at the other. As a result, (‘A. ‘A. J.) (36) was taken to al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City where he was declared dead due to several live bullets that penetrated his body.

Meanwhile, sources in the Forensic Medicine of al-Shifa Hospital confirmed to PCHR’s fieldworker that the bullets caused severe hemorrhage as the victim was hit with several live bullets all over his body, including one in the face.

Ayman al-Batniji, Spokesperson of the Palestinian Police in Gaza, stated that a family dispute broke out between 2 brothers of (J.) family, where a weapon was used and one of them opened fire at the other. The police arrested the suspect and opened an investigation into the incident.

PCHR condemns this incident, which constitutes an assault on the rule of law in the oPt. PCHR also calls upon the competent authorities to take strict measures to counter the misuse of weapons outside the rule of law.