Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Use of Weapons in Personal and Clan Disputes

Field Update

29 May 2006

Internal Violence Continues in the Gaza Strip

On Sunday, 28 May 2006, a number of attacks occurred in the Gaza Strip, as the security chaos in the area continues.  One citizen was kidnapped in Khan Yunis, another was injured by gunfire in Gaza, and armed clashes broke out between members of the same clan in Greater Abasan.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 13:00 on Sunday, gunmen kidnapped Naser Zere’i S’laiyeh (30), while he and his wife were about to take a taxi in Khan Yunis.  He was brought to an undisclosed location.  The kidnapping was motivated by a clan dispute between the S’laiyeh clan and the clan of the kidnappers.  S’laiyeh clan members gathered in the Ma’an and Joret El-Lout areas in the west of Khan Yunis and armed clashes erupted between the feuding clans.  No injuries were reported.  After approximately two hours, the kidnapped man was released following intervention from community leaders.

At approximately 21:00 on Sunday, unknown gunmen in a civilian car fired at Taysir Mohammad Sallouha (24), who is a bodyguard for the Palestinian Minister of Transportation.  The incident took place near Sallouha’s home in the Naser area of Gaza City.  He was injured by a bullet to the left leg and was taken to Shifa Hospital for treatment, where his condition was described as moderate.

And at approximately 22:00 on Sunday, members of the Qodeh clan exchanged fire in the town of Greater Abasan, east of Khan Yunis.  The incident took place near El-Nour Mosque in the town.  No injuries were reported.  It is noted that the clashes broke out following a dispute between members of the clan that had occurred in the mosque.  

PCHR is concerned about the continuation of internal violence, including the use of weapons in personal and clan disputes, which is further aggravating the current state of security chaos in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  The Centre calls upon the PNA, represented by the Attorney-General, to investigate these attacks and to bring the perpetrators to justice.