Palestinian Police Announce Death of 5 Citizens Due to Rocket Shrapnel and Raise Readiness

The Palestinian Police announced a painful toll of victims from falling rocket shrapnel in various governorates, as Brigadier General Louay Irzeiqat, the police spokesperson, confirmed the death of five citizens since last February 28th. Irzeiqat explained that the Central Operations Department monitored the fall of approximately 198 rocket shrapnel pieces, which caused these human losses in addition to widespread material damage to private property.

Regarding the details of the victims, the deaths were primarily concentrated in the Hebron governorate, which recorded four cases, while a fifth citizen died after falling from a height while attempting to observe rockets from an elevated position. These incidents also resulted in nine citizens sustaining various injuries, while about 27 homes and private establishments were damaged, necessitating a comprehensive security alert to confront the serious repercussions on public safety.

Based on the directives of Major General Allam Al-Saqqa, the Director-General of Police, it was decided to raise the level of field readiness for all teams and units to deal immediately with falling rocket objects. Forces are currently deployed in various affected areas in coordination with the competent authorities, with the aim of securing sites and ensuring the preservation of public security and preventing further casualties amid difficult weather and field conditions.

The police issued an urgent appeal to citizens to exercise the utmost caution and vigilance, and to completely stay away from open areas or rooftops during periods of rocket barrages. Sources warned of the danger of climbing heights for the purpose of photography, stressing that this behavior poses a direct threat to life and may lead to fatal falls or direct exposure to flying shrapnel in the air.

Brigadier General Irzeiqat emphasized the dangers of tampering with suspicious objects or attempting to move them from their place, given the possibility of them exploding at any moment and causing severe injuries or deaths. The security institution called on all residents to report any rocket remnants immediately upon discovery to the concerned authorities, with the necessity of staying in safe and protected areas away from gatherings that may be vulnerable to targeting or random falling military debris.

In conclusion of its statement, the police urged citizens to obtain information only from official sources and not to be drawn into rumors aimed at spreading panic and confusion in the Palestinian street. It also reminded of the necessity of immediate communication through free emergency numbers, which are (100) for the police, (102) for civil defense, and (101) for the Red Crescent Society, to ensure a rapid response to any emergency that threatens the safety of residents.

The Central Operations Department recorded the fall of 198 rocket shrapnel pieces in scattered areas, leading to the death of five citizens and the injury of nine others.