Security Chaos

Clashes between Armed Groups and/or Security Forces

Field Update

3 April 2007

One Injured and another Kidnapped in Violent Clashes in the Beit Hanoun

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 21:00 on Monday, 2 April 2007, unknown gunmen kidnapped Hussein Sobhi El-Kafarna (26) and Sa’ed Mahmoud El-Kafarna (24) from Beit Hanoun as they were on their way to Sheikh Zayed Housing in the northern Gaza Strip. After half an hour, the kidnappers released Sa’ed and shot Hussein in the legs. Hussein was taken to Kamal Odwan hospital, and from there to Shifa Hospital for treatment. His injuries were listed as serious.

After this incident, gunmen from El-Kafarna clan fired shots in Beit Hanoun at the house of Mohammad Abdel Raziq Mesleh, a member of Izzedeen El-Qassam Battalions (the armed wing of Hamas). The clan accused El-Qassam Battalions of firing at Hussein El-Kafarna. The shots caused material damages to the house.

In retaliation, Hamas gunmen attacked the house of Mohammad Ramadan El-Kafarna in Beit Hanoun. They fired bullets and rocket-propelled grenades at the house, causing extensive damages. No injuries were reported.

PCHR strongly condemns this crime, and is concerned over the continuation of attacks despite the state of calm reached at the start of February 2007. The Centre calls upon all parties to respect the state of calm, resort to dialogue, and to refrain from resorting to arms in resolving disputes.