Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

4 May 2006

Explosives Detonated in front of the Homes of Two Preventive Security Officers in Jabalia

In two separate incidents over the past 24 hours, unknown assailants detonated two explosive charges in front of the homes of two officers from the Preventive Security Apparatus in Jabalia refugee camp.  No injuries were reported in the incidents.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 2:45 on Thursday, 4 May 2006, an explosive stuck to the door of the house of Ra’ed Mohammad Naser (a 33-year-old resident of Jabalia refugee camp) was detonated.  Ra’ed is a Captain in the Preventive Security Apparatus.  The door was destroyed and windows damaged but no injuries were reported.

And at approximately 3:20 on Wednesday, 3 May 2006, unknown assailants detonated an explosive charge placed on the door of the house belonging to Shadi Sobhi Mas’ood (a 28-year-old resident of Jabalia), who is a Lieutenant in the Preventive Security Apparatus.  The door was destroyed but no injuries were reported.  Mas’ood informed PCHR’s fieldworker that this is not the first incident of its kind.  Unidentified assailants detonated three explosive charges near his house recently.  The motive remains unknown.

It is noted that according to police investigations, the explosives used in the attack were plastic explosives and both incidents took place around the same time, around 3:00 in the morning. 

PCHR strongly condemns these attacks, which underline the continued security chaos in 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.