Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of weapons by armed groups or security personnel

Field Update

26 February 2006

Five Hand Grenades Thrown at the House of Jihad El-Batsh (lecturer)

In the early morning hours of Friday (24 February 2006), unidentified assailants threw 5 hand grenades in the garden of the house belonging to Jihad Shaban Salim El-Batsh, 37, in the Naser neighbourhood of Gaza City.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 02:00 on Friday, unidentified assailants traveling in a civilian car threw 5 hand grenades at an open area in El-Batsh’s house.  They fled the area before police came to investigate the incident.  Only one of the grenades exploded and no injuries were reported.  It is noted that the targeted house consists of 2 floors, each split into 2 apartments.  There are 22 people, including a large number of children, living in the house.

El-Batsh informed PCHR that he works as the Administrative and Academic Dean at Al-Quds Open University in Gaza.  He had previously received anonymous threats, relating to his work at the University.

Palestinian police have opened an investigation into the attack.  At the time of publication of this update, no information had yet become available as to the identity of the perpetrators of the attack or the motives behind the attack.

PCHR strongly condemns the use of force or the threat of force.  In addition, the Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to exert all efforts to put an end to crimes such as this.  The Centre calls upon the Attorney-General to investigate these crimes and to bring the perpetrators to justice.