Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Attacking Public Institutions and Officials

Field Update

13 April 2006

Gunmen Storm the UNRWA Office in Nablus

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 UNRWA office in Nablus, demanding that a Palestinian be employed at the office.

PCHR’s initial investigation indicates that at approximately 09:00 on Wednesday, 12 April 2006, unidentified armed assailants attacked the UNRWA office located in Granada Street, in the center of Nablus.  They demanded, at gunpoint, that a Palestinian be employed at the office.  As a result of the attack, the UNRWA Chief in Jerusalem ordered the indefinite closure of the targeted Nablus office.

PCHR strongly condemns this attack and expresses grave concern over the escalating 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.