Security Chaos and Proliferation of Small Arms

Misuse of Weapons in Personal and Clan Disputes

Field Update

14 June 2006

Two Injured in an Armed Clan Clash in Khan Yunis

Yesterday evening in Khan Yunis, two civilians were injured during a clan dispute in which weapons were used.  The clash escalated and three stores belonging to the clans involved were burned.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 19:00 on Tuesday, 13 June 2006, a clash erupted between members of the Barbakh and El-Banna clans in El-Sikka Street, Khan Yunis.  Firearms were used in the clash and resulted in the injury of Tha’er Tafish Barbakh (18) by a bullet to the abdomen and Abdallah Moqbil Barbakh (16) by two bullets to the legs.  In addition, three stores belonging to members of the feuding clans were burned in the clash.

PCHR is gravely concerned over the continuation of internal Palestinian violence and the use of arms in personal and clan disputes, which is part of the security chaos plaguing the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).  The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), represented by the Attorney-General, to seriously investigate these crimes and to bring the perpetrators to justice.