Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of Weapons by Armed Groups and Security Personnel

Field Update

6 August 2006

Three Children Killed by Gunfire in a Wedding Celebration in Jenin

Last Thursday, three children were killed in a wedding celebration during which gunshots were fired in celebration. PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 21:15 on Thursday, 3 August 2006, three children were killed in a wedding ceremony when a gunman lost control of his assault rifle as he was shooting in the air in celebration. The killed children are Naser Salim El-Asmar (13), Ahmad Samir Abu Jilda 915), and Ala Adel Faris Hardan (17). The wedding ceremony was in El-Marah Quarter in the eastern part of Jenin. Several gunmen were firing in the air during the wedding.

PCHR is extremely concerned over the continued falling of victims, mostly children, by gunshots fired during celebrations and weddings. The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), represented by the Attorney-General, to seriously investigate these incidents and to bring the perpetrators to justice. The Centre calls upon the PNA and all Palestinians to work towards stopping the phenomena of firing guns during celebrations as they constitute a direct threat to the lives of civilians.