PRESS RELEASE

March 22, 2004

PHRMG Condemns the Assassination of Hamas Spiritual Leader, Ahmed Yassin

The PHRMG laments the death of Hamas spiritual leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin at daybreak Monday, March 22, 2004, when Israeli Air Force helicopters fired missiles at the wheelchair-bound head of the Islamic group Hamas as he left a mosque near his home in Gaza City. The PHRMG strongly condemns this act of assassination that Israel flaunts in the face of the world.

Yassin was killed instantly and up to 8 bystanders were also killed. Moreover, 15 people were wounded in the strike. The PHRMG condemns the assassination of Yassin who was known for his moderation, and who exercised control over the more militant elements in Hamas. Therefore, the assassination represents a very dangerous act, and further opens the way for more violence.

Assassination attacks are not in the interest of the Israeli population either. Thousands of angry Palestinians gathered in the streets, minutes after the attack, calling for revenge against Israel. Violence begets more violence, and Hamas has stated that retaliation attacks will follow.  By such acts of violence, Israel is bringing disaster to its own people. The Intifada years illustrate that violence begets violence—it always has.

The Israeli Army has murdered 167 Palestinians (in addition to 72 Palestinian bystanders) since the start of this Intifada. Assassination is an internationally condemned action, violating several human right laws such as the right to a fair trial and the right of safety for people with or nearby the victim, yet the state of Israel continues to use assassination frequently as a basic part of its military efforts. 

Since Sharon’s announcement to evacuate the settlements in the Gaza Strip on February 2^nd, 2004, 94 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip. The PHRMG wonders questions the sincerity of such decision to evacuate. In fact, it appears to show further violence and terror against the Palestinian people.

Yassin was sentenced many times by Israel for founding Hamas. In addition, the Israeli Occupying Forces tried to assassinate him before and failed. It was with great sadness and heartbreaking sorrow when Hamas officials confirmed that Yassin had been killed. The PHRMG expresses its profound shock at the killing of Ahmed Yassin and is concerned about the coming retaliation attacks.