Palestinian Killed and Five Injured, including Two Children, in an Explosion in Gaza City

Hamza Ahmad Muharib, a 19-year-old resident of Khan Yunis, was killed and five others were injured, including two children, when an explosive device in Muharib’s car detonated prematurely.

PCHR’s preliminary investigation indicates that at approximately 18:00 on Tuesday, 27 June 2006, an explosive device detonated prematurely in a vehicle in the Southern Rimal area of Gaza City. The driver of the car, Hamza Muharib, was killed in the explosion. He was a member of the Izzedeen El-Qassam Brigades (the armed wing of Hamas). In addition, five Palestinian bystanders were injured, including two children. The injured are:

  • Ashraf Salah Sukkar (11) sustained bruises all over the body;
  • Ali Mohammad Khilla (12) sustained bruises all over the body;
  • Khaled Walid el-Hayek (19) sustained shrapnel injuries to the head and right hand;
  • Jaber Roshdi Shameyya (19) sustained bruises all over the body; and
  • Salim Fathi El-Taramsi (24) sustained shrapnel injuries to the head.

    The injured were taken to Shifa Hospital for treatment, where their injuries were described as moderate. Muharib’s body was torn to pieces and severely burned in the blast.

    PCHR is gravely concerned over the continued number of deaths and injuries resulting from the misuse of weapons, which has become a prominent feature of the ongoing security chaos in the region. The Centre calls upon the Palestinian National Authority to take preventive measures to prevent such incidents and safeguard the safety of citizens.

    The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) is an independent legal body based in Gaza City dedicated to protecting human rights, promoting the rule of law and upholding democratic principles in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. It holds Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations and is an affiliate of the International Commission of Jurists, the Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de l’Homme (FIDH), and the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Network. PCHR is a recipient of the 1996 French Republic Award for Human Rights.