PCHR strongly condemns today’s assassination attempt by Israeli occupying forces in a residential neighbourhood in Gaza city. An alleged Hamas activist was killed in the attack. This latest killing is part of the ongoing Israeli policy of assassinations of Palestinians it alleges ordered, facilitated or carried out attacks against Israeli targets. Such assassinations are in direct contravention of international human rights and humanitarian law.

According to PCHR’s investigation, at approximately 12:15 today, two Israeli Apache gunships were seen flying over Gaza city. A few minutes later, the helicopters launched 4 missiles at a civilian car, a white Peugeot 205, traveling along Bour Sa’id Street, off al-Wehda Street, towards the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of Gaza city. Two missiles hit the car, destroying it and killing the driver. The other two missiles landed in the street, but no casualties were reported. The driver was later identified as Eyad ‘Eissa al-Baik, 27, from Jabalya refugee camp.

In the last 45 days, 17 Palestinians, including 9 non-targeted individuals, have been killed in assassinations by the Israeli occupying forces. Such assassinations constitute a flagrant violation of fundamental human rights, not least the rights to life and the rights to a fair trial. This state-sanctioned policy evidences Israel’s total disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law.

PCHR calls upon the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to fulfill their legal obligations to ensure the protection of Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

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