Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacks on Public Officials and Institutions

Field Update

15 June 2006

Explosive Device Detonated near a Judge’s House in Gaza City

Unknown assailants detonated an explosive device near the entrance of the Chief Judge of the Gaza First Instance Court. The explosion resulted in material damages, and no injuries were reported.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 1:40 on Thursday, 15 June 2006, an explosive device was detonated at the entrance of the house belonging to Judge Fayez Suliman Zeyara (53) in the Sheikh Ejleen Quarter in the southern part of Gaza City. Judge Zeyara is the Chief Judge of the Gaza First Instance Court. The explosion caused extensive damages to the house door and to the Judge’s car. The glass windows of the Judge’s house and nearby houses were destroyed as well. Furthermore, two civilian vehicles parked near the house suffered damages.

After the attack the Palestinian Bar Association and the Higher Council of the Judiciary announced the suspension of work in all courts and district attorney offices in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, and is gravely concerned over the repeated attacks on public officials and institutions. These attacks are a continuum of the security chaos 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.