Ref:
101/2003

PCHR
strongly condemns the latest extra-judicial assassination carried out by
Israeli occupying forces in Gaza City on Sunday, 24 August 2003, which left
dead 4 members of the military wing of Hamas movement, the Ezziddin al-Qassam
Brigade.  PCHR is deeply concerned about
the persistent escalation of aggressive acts carried out by Israeli occupying
forces in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. PCHR is especially concerned by
the Israeli government’s official adoption of the policy of extra-judicial
assassinations; the only state in the world which openly commits such
crimes.  

This
latest assassination came only 3 days after the assassination of prominent
Hamas leader, Isma’il Abu Shanab and two of his bodyguards in Gaza City and a
few hours following a key statement issued by the Israeli Defense Minister
Shaul Mofaz. Mofaz indicated that there will be a resumption of military
activities in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including the assassinations of
prominent activists of the Hamas movement and Islamic Jihad.

According
to PCHR’s investigation, at approximately 21:40 on Sunday, 24 August 2003, 2
Israeli combat helicopters flew over Gaza City. 
The target was a blue civilian car, in which 4 Palestinians were
traveling along the coastal road near the Palestinian Presidential Guard (Force
17) junction in the densely populated Sheikh ‘Ejlin neighborhood in the southwest
of Gaza City. When the individuals in the car became aware of the approaching
helicopters, they got out of the car, but the helicopters launched 4 missiles
in the direction of the fleeing passengers. 
The 4 Palestinians were instantly killed by the missile strike and 2
passing civilians were wounded.  Later,
the victims were identified as: 

1. Ahmed Rushdi Mustafa
Eshtaiwi, 24, from al-Zaytoun neighborhood in Gaza City; allegedly wanted by
Israeli occupying forces;

2. Waheed Hamed Subhi
al-Hams, 21, from Rafah;

3. Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed Abu
Hilal, 23, from Rafah; and

4. Mohammed Kana’an ‘Abdul
Hai Abu Lebda, 20, from Rafah. 

PCHR
strongly condemns this latest assassination and expresses deep concern about
the escalation of such acts carried out under the orders of the Israeli
government.  PCHR contends that the
policy of extra-judicial assassinations and indiscriminate killings continues
to prove Israel’s blatant disregard for international law, in particular the
Fourth Geneva Convention which considers such acts as war crimes.  PCHR asserts that the policy of
extra-judicial assassinations serves only to increase tension in the region and
gravely threatens the lives of Palestinian civilians.  In light of this, PCHR calls upon the
international community to end its silence towards Israeli aggressive
practices, and reiterates its call for the High Contracting Parties to the
Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations to ensure protection for
Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.