Two Killed by Misuse of Weapon in Nuseirat and Khan Yunis

Security Chaos

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and/or Security Personnel

Field Update

3 August 2008

Two Killed by Misuse of Weapon in Nuseirat and Khan Yunis

Two people were killed last week in Nuseirat refugee camp and Khan Yunis. One was killed in a clan vendetta; and the other was killed when he mishandled his brother’s firearm. These incidents are a continuation of the security chaos plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 22:30 on Thursday (31 July), a civilian-clothed assailant shot with a pistol Karam Mohammad Odeh El-Masri (27) from Jouret El-Lout area in Khan Yunis. The victim was walking in Jamal Abd El-Naser Street in Khan Yunis. He was hit by a bullet in the head and died instantly. The body was taken to the forensic physician in Naser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Police Spokesman, Islam Shehwan, informed PCHR that the Police have opened an investigation in the crime that was motivated by a clan vendetta. He stated that the suspect’s identity has been established, and that he is wanted by the Police.

At approximately 20:10 on Wednesday (30 July), Mohammad Majed El-Hawajri (18) from Nuseirat refugee camp was taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir El-Balah. He was seriously injured by a bullet in the abdomen. He died shortly after being admitted to the hospital. Police sources stated that the victim was killed as a result of mishandling the firearm belonging to his brother Ahmad (22). A fatal bullet issued by mistake, killing him. The Police stated that they detained a suspect, the victim’s brother, for questioning.

PCHR is concerned over the continued falling of victims due to the misuse of weapons. The Centre calls upon the relevant authorities to take steps to prevent the recurrence of these incidents in order to protect civilians.