Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

16 April 2006

Gunmen Storm the Palestinian Legislative Council Office in Khan Yunis

In a continuation of the trend of attacking international institutions, which has become a feature of the ongoing security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), gunmen stormed the Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) office in Khan Yunis.  The attack, which took place on Saturday 15 April 2006, was carried out in protest against the deteriorating economic and political situation in the Gaza Strip, and against the government’s inability to pay the salaries of employees.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 7:00 on Saturday, 15 April 2006, a group of about 50 masked gunmen closed the Bani Suheila intersection on Salah El-Deen Road near Khan Yunis.  They prevented traffic from passing on both sides of the road.  After approximately 2 hours, the gunmen, who identified themselves as members of the security forces, stormed the Khan Yunis PLC office, located on Salah El-Deen Road.  The gunmen forced staff out of the office after firing shots in the air.  They stayed in the office until approximately 10:00.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack and expresses grave concern over the escalating number of attacks against public institutions, which threaten the lives of staff members.  These attacks are a continuation of the prevailing 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.