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OPT: Explosive device targets building of Al al-Bait Society for Heritage and Sharia' Sciences and the National Center of Research and Studies in Gaza City

Yesterday, unknown persons detonated an explosive device near the entrance of a building containing the offices of Al al-Bait Society for Heritage and Sharia' Sciences and the National Center of Research and Studies. The building is in 'Ali Bin Abi Taleb street in the centre of Gaza city. A civilian was injured by shrapnel and the building was damaged as a result.

According to investigations conducted by the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) and the testimony of Khalil Said al-Shrafi, the Secretary of Al al-Bait Society, at approximately 18:30 on Monday, 21 December 2009, unknown persons detonated an explosive device near the entrance of a building located near the Public Service Society in 'Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street in the centre of Gaza city. The building houses Al al-Bait Society for Heritage and Sharia' Sciences and the National Center of Research and Studies. As a result of the explosion, Ahmed Mahmoud al-Hessi, 30, from al-Shati refugee camp, a student at Al al-Bait Society, was injured by shrapnel to the foot and the left thigh. The entrance of the building suffered heavy damage, and doors and windows were destroyed.

PCHR strongly condemns the attack on Al al-Bait Society for Heritage and Sharia' Sciences and the National Center of Research and Studies. This attack forms part of the state of security chaos and misuse of weapons plaguing the OPT. PCHR demands that the Palestinian National Authority, represented by the Attorney-General, effectively investigate the attack and bring perpetrators to justice.