The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) mourns and condemns in the strongest terms the killing of our dear and beloved colleague Ihab Marwan Kamal Faisal and his family by an Israeli airstrike in the early hours of Thursday morning.

 According to the information provided to PCHR, at approximately 2:00 am, Ihab, 33, his wife, Hanin Jamal Al-Dahdouh, 29, and his two children, Reem, 6, and Najma, 3, were killed by an Israeli airstrike while they were taking shelter in a house in in Al-Remal Neighbourhood in Gaza city.

“Words fail to express my feelings, and those of my colleagues, towards this ongoing brutal genocide against our people and against our colleagues. I knew Ihab closely, first as a human being and then as an administrative assistant. He was a man of great character and commitment, always dedicated to his work even under the most difficult and dangerous conditions. He was a father to two young daughters, and a hard-working and devoted son to his family. The brutality of the occupation is reflected in every detail of our lives; it kills our children and destroys our dreams,” said lawyer Raji Sourani, Director of PCHR.

Despite yesterday’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which is supposed to take effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025, Israeli occupation forces (IOF) have intensified their genocidal campaign in the Strip launching dozens of airstrikes across Gaza since then resulting in the killing of 71 Palestinians, including 19 children and 24 women, in less than 24 hours.

The heinous crimes committed by the IOF serve as a reminder that all Palestinians are a target, including human rights defenders and their families. It is worth noting that Ihab Faisal is the third member of PCHR’s staff to be killed since the start of Israel’s genocidal campaign. In February 2024, in two separate incidents, two of PCHR’s lawyers, Nour Abu Al-Nour and Dana Yaghi, were killed along with their families by Israeli airstrikes. Moreover, two of Ihab’s brother were killed during the first months of the ongoing genocide.

PCHR extends its deepest condolences to their families and loved ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. May their beautiful souls rest in peace.