The state of insecurity saw serious escalation in the Gaza Strip recently.
Al Mezan has reported the killing of three persons, the injury of 19; among whom four children, and the kidnapping of 16 others; one of whom was murdered.
The BBC reporter Alan Johnston is still kidnapped with no information on the identity of kidnappers or his whereabouts available.
Based on information collected by Al Mezan, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) personnel were targeted for the second time this week.
At app.
9.
30 today, unknown gunmen seized a UN vehicle after forcing the driver out of it.
The incident took place close to the UNRWA HQ in Gaza City.
Moreover, armed clashes recommenced between supporters of Hamas and Fatah factions in north Gaza.
At app.
4.
40pm on 21 March 2007 clashes erupted in Beit Lahia Project area, leaving one killed and 15 wounded; among the latter are four children.
Tension prevailed in north Gaza with both factions erected checkpoints.
Three Fatah activists were kidnapped in Jabalia Camp, but were releases two hours later.
Further, armed clashes continued in the adjacent town Beit Hanon.
At app.
1.
30pm on 22 March 2007, four persons were kidnapped, two from Hamas and two from Fatah.
In Gaza City, unknown gunmen abducted Hamdan Al Sofi, 45, a lecturer at the Islamic University.
No information on his whereabouts is available.
In another incident, at app.
4am on 22 March 2007, armed clashes broke out between the Executive Force and armed Fatah activists, killing Khalil Hellis, 40, and injuring three others.
Gunmen kidnapped six members of the Executive Force in Shijaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City, while a Fatah activist was abducted.
Gunmen have set to fire two jeeps belonging to the Executive Force close to the Market in the same neighborhood.
At app.
5am on 22 March 2007, Farid Doghmosh, who is in his 20's, was found dead in Gaza Valley south to Gaza City.
Doghmosh was kidnapped earlier on 21 March 2007 in Gaza City.
Medics reported that there was evidence that he was subjected to torture.
In Khan Younis, at app.
3.
30am on the same day, gunmen broke into a farm owned by Fayez Qweidar, 49, shot him in the legs and fled.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights strongly condemns the escalation of the state of insecurity and the increasing numbers of its victims.
The Center also condemns the failure of the PNA to take effective measures to tackle this deteriorating situation.
The Center questions the vagueness surrounding the kidnapping of the BBC reporter after many days of abduction.
Al Mezan therefore calls upon the PNA to take immediate and effective steps to halt the state of insecurity and restore the rule of law in Gaza.
It is imperative that the PNA makes extra efforts to secure the release of Johnston and investigate previous and current kidnappings and other breaches of the law, and bring the perpetrators to justice.
END