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Proliferation of Weapons Widespread among West Bank Clans
(Al-Monitor) Ahmad Melhem - Palestinian security services intensified in September their security operations in the West Bank in pursuit of individuals who have used arms during family quarrels. Louay Arziqat, a spokesman for the Palestinian police, said that since the beginning of the year there have been 37 murders, up 42% over last year. On Sept. 18, in southern Hebron, a quarrel between families degenerated into armed clashes, during which firearms, including machine guns, were used, and several homes and vehicles were set ablaze. On Sept. 17, a young man and two girls were killed northeast of Bethlehem, shot by four armed people who stopped the vehicle and opened fire due to a family dispute. The Palestinian security services might sometimes make arrests, but the widespread proliferation of weapons among families and clans will prevent them from eradicating this phenomenon.