Al Mezan expresses its deep concern by the continued lack of security and law enforcement in Gaza.
Over time, this phenomenon is being manifested in new and increasingly serious forms.
Organized attacks on NGOs have been reported, the latest of which being an attack on the Holy Book Friends Association, while honor crimes and the mysterious killings have increased.
The kidnapped journalist Alan Johnston has been held for more than a month now as the PNA has failed to secure his release.
According to Al Mezan's field investigation, 12 persons were killed last week, among them a nineteen-year-old girl.
In addition, 20 people were injured, 6 were kidnapped and 8 institutions and commercial stores were attacked.
Three homes were also attacked and damaged.
Al Mezan is highly concerned by the continued attacks on institutions and NGOs.
The building of the Holy Book's Friends Association in Gaza City was attacked on 15 April 2007.
It was reported that it was damaged; however, no casualties were reported.
Further attacks on stores and Internet cafés have also been reported, with the latest being the attack on the Internet café owned by Kamal Balata in Jabalia Camp on 16 April 2007.
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10am on the same day, a store selling electronic communications appliances belonging to Mazen Al Madhoun was targeted with an explosive device in Al Sheikh Redwan neighborhood in Gaza City.
The blast caused partial damages to the building.
No casualties were reported.
The Center is also gravely concerned by the increasing acts of murder.
Issam Al Eskafi, aged 30, was found dead in Al Mawasi area in Khan Younis on 15 April 2007.
No further information is available regarding the identity of the perpetrators or the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Furthermore, Hesham Kaware' was shot in the head on the same day in Joret El Lout neighborhood east of the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis.
He died at the Nasser hospital in the town immediately after being shot.
Al Mezan Center for Human Rights condemns in the strongest terms the continued and augmenting violations of human rights that emanate from such breaches of the law.
The Center is dismayed by the rapidly increasing number of victims, especially women, the damage to private property, and the attacks on cultural institutions and Internet cafes.
It also questions the PNA's failure to undertake its duty and ensure the perpetrators face trail, which only encourages further escalation of the state of insecurity and deepens the disrespect of law.
Al Mezan therefore calls upon the PNA to end its silence and failure to uphold its legal obligations towards the population under its jurisdiction.
The PNA must take immediate practical and effective steps towards providing security for the population and their property, providing security for all institutions, and for securing the release of Johnston.
Those persons who prove to be involved in criminal acts must be brought to justice.
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