Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

17 May 2006

Gunmen Storm the Jawwal Offices in Gaza

Yesterday afternoon, gunmen stormed the Gaza offices of the Jawwal mobile phone company, firing shots inside the building and forcing staff to leave the building at gunpoint.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that on Tuesday afternoon, 16 May 2006, about ten unmasked gunmen stormed the offices of the Jawwal mobile phone company in Gaza.  They fired inside the offices, damaging computers, windows and furniture.  The gunmen claimed that the attack was a result of the company stopping service on their mobile phones.  Jawwal employees informed the gunmen that their mobile phones were not on the Jawwal system, but the system of another company, Samtel.  Nonetheless, the gunmen forced the Jawwal office director, Younis Abu Samra, and his staff to leave the offices at gunpoint.  After the staff had left the building, the gunmen fired in all directions, causing significant damage inside.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack, which forms part of the ongoing 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.