Recent violent clashes between two families in the Gaza Strip has left one Palestinian dead, five wounded, eight houses in ruins, and two stores damaged.
On June 23, a fight broke out between Faiyad and Baraka families in the al Brouk area, located in south Deir Al Balah town, in the middle of the Gaza Strip.
The following day, clashes resumed injuring six, including Rami Faiyad who died five days later.
In retaliation, members of the Faiyad family broke into and burnt eight homes owned by the Baraka family.
Two stores owned by the Baraka family were also damaged.
While the Palestinian Police Forces were present in the area they were unable to prevent the attacks on the Baraka property.
Since January 2005, 237 people have been the victims of internal violence caused by Palestinians taking the law into their own hands, according to Al Mezan's Fieldwork Unit.
Amongst them, 27 have been killed.
Al Mezan is greatly concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Gaza Strip.
The Center expects the situation to worsen if the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) does not take the necessary steps to prevent such violations.
The Center calls upon the PNA to assume it responsibility by upholding the law and preventing the systematic violations of Palestinians human rights which continue to jeopardize the safety of all Palestinians.
It also demands the PNA put an end to the spread of small arms and light weapons by confiscating unlicensed weapons and punishing Palestinians found carrying weapons for non-work related activities.
The Center emphasizes the need to bring the perpetrators responsible for these crimes to justice.
End