PRESS RELEASE

Released @ 1:00 GMT 10^th June 1998

ISRAELI SOLDIERS KILLED

A PALESTINIAN CIVILIAN IN THE GAZA STRIP

Around 9:00 PM, Tuesday 9^th June 1998, Israeli Soldier shot dead Raafat Mohamed Al-Bardawil, 23 from Khan Younis, near Morage Settlement to the west of Rafah.

PCHR’s fieldworkers reported that an Israeli soldier fired at al Bardawil in the chest resulting in his immediate death according to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, where the body of the dead was sent later, Al Bardawil was shot in the left part of the chest by an explosive bullet that wounded both his heart and left lung.

In fact, this incident is reported by PCHR to be part of systematic escalation of the use of force by Israeli soldiers and settlers against Palestinian Civilians. Another civilian, Akram Khalil Abu Ermana, 21 from Rafah, was injured in his left thy on 3^rd of June 1998 when a female settler fired at him near Etsmona settlement in Rafah area.

PHCR strongly condemns the excessive use of force by Israeli soldiers and settlers against Palestinian civilians while rejects all security justifications released by the Israeli authorities.

According to PCHR’s information, Al Bardawil was unarmed and did not pose any threat whatsoever to the lives of Israeli soldiers who shot at him with the intention to kill. Firing at Al Bardawil which resulted to his death by one deadly bullet in the chest is a clear evident for this.

PCHR expresses its strong belief that the very existence of Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Territories supported by a heavy presence of Israeli forces is the major and direct threat to the lives and personal safety of Palestinian civilians, especially in the areas surrounding settlements.

PHCE reiterates its call for international intervention to protect the lives of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Territories and to put an end to the illegal practices perpetrated by Israeli soldiers and settlers against the Palestinian civilians.