The state of insecurity witnessed a serious escalation following the recommence of infighting between factions in northern Gaza.
Based on Al Mezan's field investigations, incidents of the last week have resulted in the killing 23 Palestinians, injury of 135, abduction of 32 and damage of 9 houses, 11 vehicles and 5 buildings, among which are three hospitals, a mosque and a store.
Last week's clashes represented unprecedented rise not only in terms of political polarization within the Palestinian society, but also in terms of the size and scale of the force used and the severity of violence.
Several houses were attacked despite the presence of women and children.
There are credible doubts about perpetration of acts of willful murder and degrading treatment and torture of persons after they were detained or laid down their arms during clashes.
Al Mezan Center profoundly regrets the loss of life of such a high number of people and the scale of destruction of houses and property these clashes have left.
The Center strongly condemns the escalation of infighting and concurrent violations of human rights by Palestinian actors.
The documented acts have shown flagrant disregard to civilian life and suffering, and added to the deteriorating economic conditions and Israeli violations.
While Al Mezan commends the declaration forming an investigation committee, which is to look into these acts, it disapproves of the repeated formation of similar committees without specific determination of the framework in which they would work and giving them the powers necessary for them to function properly.
Al Mezan is also concerned about the fact that no similar official steps were taken so far.
Al Mezan calls for effective, competent, and neutral investigation into these acts; especially those conducted by armed groups in the northern district of the Gaza Strip last week, and to bring those who committed criminal acts and grave violations of human rights.
Those must be pursued and brought to justice without delay.
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