BAGHDAD, 18 March 2007 (IRIN) - The United Nations has reiterated its call for the protection of Palestinian refugees in Iraq after Iraqi security forces killed one and detained dozens in raids last week, causing a number of Palestinian families to flee to the border.
"One Palestinian, [who was] a guard at a mosque, was killed with at least one gunshot to the head during the raid on Wednesday," said Ron Redmond, chief spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva on Friday.
The agency called for the immediate protection of Palestinians in Iraq.
Iraqi Interior Ministry officials defended the raid in Baladiat, a predominantly Palestinian neighbourhood in eastern Baghdad, saying it was targeting a gang dealing in stolen cars and security forces faced resistance when they went to arrest suspects on Wednesday. They said three gang members were killed and 15 others arrested.
"We only target criminals, regardless of their background, and we deal with all Palestinians the same way we deal with Iraqis. We protect them," said spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul-Karim Khalaf.
"One Palestinian, [who was] a guard at a mosque, was killed with at least one gunshot to the head during the raid on Wednesday," said Ron Redmond, chief spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva on Friday.
The agency called for the immediate protection of Palestinians in Iraq.
Iraqi Interior Ministry officials defended the raid in Baladiat, a predominantly Palestinian neighbourhood in eastern Baghdad, saying it was targeting a gang dealing in stolen cars and security forces faced resistance when they went to arrest suspects on Wednesday. They said three gang members were killed and 15 others arrested.
"We only target criminals, regardless of their background, and we deal with all Palestinians the same way we deal with Iraqis. We protect them," said spokesman Brig. Gen. Abdul-Karim Khalaf.
Published with the permission of IRIN
Disclaimer: This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations
Disclaimer: This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations
