The state of insecurity in Palestinian society worsened in grave violation of the law, when on February 19th 2006 Mohammad Abu Taha, 25, was killed and four others injured, one of whom is in critical condition, following a family dispute in Khan Younis.
Since October 13th, 2005, 8 have been killed and 38 injured, two of whom are in a serious medical state.
According to Al Mezan field workers at approximately 9:20pm on February 19th, 25- year- old Mohammad Abu Taha, received gunshots to his head following a dispute between the Abu Taha and Al Masri families in Khan Younis.
The continuation of this family dispute is threatening the lives of many citizens; it restricts their movement in Jorat Allout area close to Khan Younis market, Ahmad Abdul Aziz Primary School, and Osama Al Najjar Primary School supervised by the Palestinian Ministry of Education.
Both of the disputing families live in this area which is exposed to continuous clashes, gun shootings, and explosions, sub-roads were blocked with sandbags which prevented citizens from moving freely.
Al Mezan reported that people took initiatives to stop the dispute, whereas the weak intervention of security apparatuses and police did not provide protection to citizens and properties, since 8 were subsequently killed, 3 of whom were not related to the dispute.
It is worth mentioning the number of weapons used in the clash, including explosives and missiles that can potentially increase the number of victims.
In this respect, Al Mezan Center has frequently warned about the proliferation and misuse of small weapons, and we call for reprimanding of those who illegally possess weapons.
Al Mezan hereby expresses its profound sorrow and regret upon losing such a high number of citizens; it also condemns the escalating lawlessness and the PNA's inability to undertake effective procedures to halt this state, which has encouraged citizens to break the law.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights thus calls upon the PNA to immediately take practical steps to put an end to the state of insecurity, impose the law, and exterminate all forms of arms on the Palestinian street to ensure security and stability.
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