Gaza police officer killed while breaking up dispute

Gaza’s police force has launched an investigation after an officer was shot dead while on duty during a violent altercation in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.

The General Directorate of Police in Gaza confirmed on April 1, that it was investigating the killing of an officer who was attacked while attempting to break up a dispute, Caliber.Az reports per Palestinian news agency.

The altercation also led to the death of a civilian who succumbed to his injuries.

In a statement, police officials said they were actively pursuing the perpetrators and vowed to take strict legal measures against those responsible for what they described as a "heinous crime."

The incident has sparked condemnation from local tribes and families in Deir al-Balah, who denounced the killing of the officer—identified only as (A.N.)—as a "treacherous attack." They noted that he had been providing security for humanitarian aid distribution, including flour, to residents struggling under difficult conditions. 

In a statement, tribal representatives expressed outrage, saying: "We strongly condemn the brutal crime that claimed the life of our dedicated son, Police Assistant (A.N.), who was targeted in cold blood while fulfilling his national duty of securing humanitarian assistance."

The statement further explained that the violence erupted when police fired warning shots into the air while overseeing aid distribution. One of the bullets accidentally struck a man from the (S) family, who later died. In the aftermath, armed individuals reportedly ambushed the police officer and shot him dead.

Local leaders have urged security and judicial authorities to take swift action against the attackers. "We call on the relevant authorities to hold the perpetrators accountable and prevent any attempts to exploit the current crisis to destabilise Gaza’s security," the statement said.

The tribes and families stressed that the safety of Deir al-Balah and the broader Gaza Strip was a "red line" and that targeting security personnel would not be tolerated. They also appealed for calm, urging people to refrain from violence and allow justice to take its course.

Their statement concluded with a plea to community leaders and officials to stand united against any threats to public order, warning that immediate and decisive action was needed to prevent further escalation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev