December 9, 2005

 

International Human Rights Day

Gaza Feud Ends in Bloodshed

 

In Beit-Hanon, a disagreement between two Palestinian families ended in a public gunfight that killed five and injured over fifty bystanders. The fight began as retaliation for the murder of Salah al-Massree (45 yrs old), who was shot and killed Thursday December 1st as he was leaving his shop in Gaza. He was buried on Saturday December 3rd, and his grieving relatives sought revenge on the offending family, the al-Kabarnah’s, on Saturday night.

 

After arriving at the residence of Abed al-Salam Ashor al-Kabarnah (45 yrs old), the al-Massrees shot and killed Abed al-Salam. The ensuing gunfight between the two families resulted in the additional deaths of Zaidan al-Massree (25 yrs old), Hassam al-Massree (39 yrs old), and Salah al-Massree (45 yrs old). Also, officer Essam al-Hueihee (34 yrs old), a member of the police force dispatched to stop the dispute, was shot and killed. A second gunfight broke out on Wednesday December 7th, resulting in the additional death of Aysha Hamad, who was killed in her house from the crossfire.

 

The circumstances surrounding the death of Salah al-Massree, who was head of the Sulha (Reconciliation) Committee for Hamas, are unfortunate, demonstrating that bloodshed and revenge can only serve to bring about the further deterioration of the human rights situation in the Palestinian Territories. The Palestinian Human Rights Monitoring Group (PHRMG) mourns the deaths of these six men and one woman, and calls upon Gaza residents to refrain from exacting vengeance on fellow Palestinians. The injury of bystanders and the loss of life in these situations undermines the value of human life and damages the stability of the Gaza Strip, which seeks to be a safe home for families and civilians. As a result, the PHRMG gives its full support to the statement of the Minister of the Interior, Mr. Nasser Yousef, which appeals to the Palestinian community to help police forces stop the spread of illegal guns throughout the Palestinian Territories.

 

This Saturday, December 10th, is International Human Rights Day. We hope that both governments and private organizations alike will join us in renewing our commitment to protecting Palestinian human rights.

 

      (Statistics follow.)

 

 

 

Summary of Palestinian and Israeli Fatalities

(Sept. 2000 – Sept. 2005)

 

Palestinians killed by Israelis

3315

Israelis killed by Palestinians

972

Palestinians killed by Palestinians

435
  • Total Gunshot Fatalities from Sept. 28, 2000 ( Start of the Second Intifada) to Jan. 9, 2005

152
  • Total Gunshot Fatalities since Jan. 9, 2005 (Date PA Chairman Abu Mazen took office)

94
  • Total Additional Fatalities* (Sept. 2000 – Sept. 2005)

189

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

       * includes stabbings, beatings, suspected collaborators, etc.