Ref: 61/2003

PCHR strongly condemns today’s
assassination attempt by Israeli occupying forces in a residential
neighbourhood in Gaza city. An alleged Hamas activist was killed in the
attack.  This latest killing is part of the ongoing Israeli policy of
assassinations of Palestinians it alleges ordered, facilitated or carried out
attacks against Israeli targets.  Such
assassinations are in direct contravention of international human rights and
humanitarian law.

According to PCHR’s
investigation, at approximately 12:15 today, two Israeli Apache gunships were
seen flying over Gaza city.  A few
minutes later, the helicopters launched 4 missiles at a civilian car, a white
Peugeot 205, traveling along Bour Sa’id Street, off al-Wehda Street, towards
the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza city.  Two missiles hit the car, destroying it and
killing the driver.  The other two
missiles landed in the street, but no casualties were reported.  The driver was later identified as Eyad
‘Eissa al-Baik, 27, from Jabalya refugee camp. 

In the last 45 days, 17
Palestinians, including 9 non-targeted individuals, have been killed in
assassinations by the
Israeli
occupying forces.  Such assassinations constitute a flagrant violation of
fundamental human rights, not least the rights to life and the rights to a fair
trial.  This
state-sanctioned
policy evidences Israel’s total disregard for international human rights and
humanitarian law. 

PCHR calls upon the High
Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal obligations to
ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories.