March 21, 2000

According to the affidavit submitted to an al-Haq fieldworker by her husband, Mohammad Ibrahim Al-Tous, 48, he approached a military checkpoint between Khaas and Sourif known as the Wadi al-Aazaz. As he neared the checkpoint he realised he did not have his insurance document for the car, so he turned back from the checkpoint.  At this point, Israeli soldiers fired at least 20 rounds at the car, without any warning to stop.  His wife, seated in the passenger seat, was hit 6 times in the back, head, chest, and neck.  She died immediately and was later taken to the hospital for an autopsy.  At the same time, the husband was also shot in the back. Al-Tous drove 1 km until he fainted.  Citizens took him to the Al-Ahli Hospital in Hebron to the surgery unit to remove the bullet; however they couldn’t find it.  He was injured in the liver and other internal organs by bullet fragments.  

Al-Haq perceives this act as a continuation of the policy of unjustified random shooting against civilians (protected persons).  Al-Haq calls upon: 

1. The Israeli Occupation Forces to conduct a full and immediate comprehensive investigation. The soldiers were able to see the occupants of the car, given that it was close to a military checkpoint, which is fully lit, and there was a full moon.  What is even more reprehensible is that the soldiers allowed the driver to continue driving for 1km knowing that injuries took place in the car. 

2. The High Contracting Parties to the IV Geneva Convention take their responsibility in protecting Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Territories.  Shooting at civilians without warning is a violation of the principles and minimum international standards regarding the use of firearms.  The intention of the soldier (s) was to shoot to kill. 

3. Israel bring an immediate cessation of the wilful killing of all persons protected by the IV Geneva Convention. 

4. Israel act in full conformity with all rules concerning the use of lethal force. 

5. The results of the investigation be publicised and measures taken against those responsible for this wilful killing. 

6. The soldier (s) who shot them, as well as the officer in charge, be prosecuted since neither abided by the security procedures for carrying firearms and their use.