Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

17 May 2006

Explosive Device Detonated at the House of the Director-General of Border Crossings

Unidentified assailants detonated an explosive device at the door of the house belonging to the Director-General of Border Crossings in Jabalia.  No injuries were reported.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that on the morning of Wednesday, 17 May 2006, unknown assailants detonated an explosive device, which had been attached to the door of the house belonging to Colonel Salim Abu Safeya (45).  Abu Safeya is the Director General of Border Crossings.  The incident took place in the Alami area of Jabalia refugee camp.  The explosion damaged the door and destroyed the windows of the house, as well as the windows of some houses nearby.  No injuries were reported.

And on Tuesday, 16 May 2006, unidentified assailants blew up vehicles belonging to Maher and Tariq Abu Khater, two brothers who are activists in the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades in the Zaitoon area of Gaza City.  No injuries were reported.  It is noted that Maher is an officer in the Preventive Security Services.

PCHR strongly condemns these attacks, which form part of the ongoing security chaos currently plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice.