GAZA, March 17, 2007 (WAFA)- The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) strongly condemns yesterday's assault on Mr. John Ging, UNRWA's Director of Operations in the Gaza Strip. The attack took place in the northern Gaza Strip (GS) and targeted his convoy.

In a press release, the Centre called for serious legal action against the perpetrators of this attack, which is a continuum of security chaos that undermines the rule of law and tarnishes the Palestinian people and their just struggle for freedom and independence.

PCHR called upon the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), represented by the Attorney-General, to seriously investigate this crime and bring the perpetrators to justice.

It affirmed that this crime is a flagrant violation of the rule of law, and is a continuum of the security chaos plaguing the OPT in the absence of serious action by the PNA to pursue and prosecute perpetrators, reminding that a recent series of crimes against internationals and international organizations has gone unpunished,

PCHR viewed this crime as a humiliation to the Palestinian people, and a detraction from its just struggle for freedom and independence. This crime reduces international support and solidarity in the face of Israeli war crimes.

It renewed the call to protect civilians, including internationals, and ensure their safety and security in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and Palestinian Law, views the continuation of these crimes as an attempt to empty the Gaza Strip from international organizations and persons, including relief organizations, journalists, and solidarity activist, noting that PCHR has long warned of this consequence.

PCHR called upon the PNA to take serious legal action against security chaos in general, and attacks against international organizations and persons in particular, within the framework of the law and international human rights standards.

M.H. (15:23 P) (13:23 GMT)