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| PCHR Palestinian Centre for Human Rights PRESS RELEASE |
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Ref: 102/2005
Date: 06 September 2005
Time: 10:00 GMT
Explosion in a house Sheja’eya kills 4 and injures 35
PCHR is gravely concerned at the explosion that occurred yesterday evening in an inhabited house in the densely populated al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. Apparently, the house was used as a depot for explosives. PCHR reiterates its strong condemnation of storing weapons and explosives in civilian areas, and endangering the lives of innocent civilians. PCHR calls upon all Palestinian resistance groups to stop storing weapons and explosives or conduct military activities in or near civilian populated areas. PCHR has repeatedly warned against such actions to prevent the occurrence of similar incidences.
According to investigations conducted by PCHR, at approximately 20:00 on Monday, 5 September 2005, a heavy explosion rocked a house in the densely populated al-Shojaeya neighborhood in the east of Gaza City. The explosion was caused by an accidental fire, which led to the detonation of explosives stored inside the house. The explosion killed four people:
1. Huda Khaled Farahat, 40;
2. Sam’ya Khaled Farahat, 25;
3. Khaled Mohammad Sa’d, 30; and
4. Fayez Kamal Abu Taweela, 40.
In addition, at least 35 civilians living in neighboring houses were injured, including 8 who are in a serious condition. The house where the explosion occurred was almost destroyed, and 3 neighboring houses were severely damaged.
A large crowd of people in a state of anger and frustration gathered inside Shifa Hospital, where the casualties were evacuated. A relative of one of the victims opened fire in protest at the death of his relative. This caused panic and fear among the crowd and medical crews, and caused material damage to the hospital.
PCHR regrets the death and injury caused to this large number of victims. PCHR remains gravely concerned at the continued storage of explosives in civilian populated areas by Palestinian resistance groups, which endangers the lives of Palestinian civilians and violates their right to life. PCHR reminds the Palestinian resistance groups of their duties towards the protection of civilians, and calls upon them to abstain from conducting any military activity inside or near residential areas. PCHR also condemns the use of violence and weapons to express anger and frustration.
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Palestinian Centre for Human Rights
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