Field Update

Yesterday, on 17 November 2018, 2 civilians, including a child, were killed during a family dispute, where firearms were used in al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City. This incident is part of the state of proliferation of weapons and assault on the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 18:30 on Saturday, 17 November 2018, a dispute broke out between members of two families on al-Nakhil Street in al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, where firearms were used. As a result, A. K. (37) was killed after being shot with 2 bullets to the abdomen and chest while ‘A. Gh. (9), from the same neighborhood, was killed after being hit with a bullet to the neck. Moreover, F. K (44) and H. S. (28) were wounded.

The Palestinian police stated to PCHR’s fieldworker that the police arrived at the area and arrested the two families’ members. The police added that it was an old dispute between the 2 families, but resurfaced yesterday and firearms were used.

PCHR deeply condemns the use of violence and taking the law in ones’ own hands, including the use of firearms. PCHR calls upon the Ministry of Interior to take all necessary measures to put an end to the proliferation of weapons and maintain security of civilians with full commitment to the law and relevant international standards.