Field Update

On Friday, 13 October 2017, a woman died after she was hit with a bullet to the head from an unidentified source while walking with her husband on al-Nafaq Street in the center of Gaza City. This is part of the proliferation of weapons and assault on the rule of law in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).

According to investigation conducted by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), at approximately 21:15 on Friday, 13 October 2017, Sabrin Ramzi Sa’di Abu Sha’ban (27), from al-Sheikh Redwan neighborhood, was hit with a bullet to the head from an unidentified source when she was with her husband on al-Nafaq Street. According to her husband, Yousif ‘Omer Abu Sha’ban (29), he went out with his wife, Sabrin, heading to his sister’s house on al-Nafaq Street. When they approached the house, they decided to go back because it was late. They decided to take a taxi to go back home when the husband was surprised with his wife falling on the ground and bleeding. He immediately took her to al-Shifa Hospital, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to her serious condition. After a while, doctors announced her death.

The Forensic Department at al-Shifa Hospital said to PCHR’s fieldworker that Sabrin Died after she was hit with a bullet that settled in her head.

Ayman al-Batniji, Spokesperson of the Palestinian Police in Gaza, said to PCHR’s fieldworker that the police opened an investigation into the incident to identify the shooting source. He added that the police always warn civilians of the random shooting.

PCHR hereby condemns the killing of Sabrin Abu Sha’ban and calls upon the Attorney General to investigate the incident, reveal the circumstances and bring those involved to justice.