Sheikh Yassin was assassinated by the launching of missiles from a helicopter just after he had left the mosque after dawn prayers. In addition, 7 Palestinians were killed and at least 17 were injured in the operation.
As recalled by the Human Rights Committee in 2003, in its concluding observations, the practice of targeted assassinations is considered as an arbitrary denial of the right to life, and a breach of Israel’s obligation under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Further, the fact that Sheikh Yassin is strongly suspected of having ordered horrific criminal acts, in particular attacks against civilians, cannot in any case justify his extrajudicial execution decided by the Israeli government.
The FIDH fears that such an assassination, rather than bringing security to Israel and its citizens will contribute to further escalation of violence in Israel and in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The FIDH calls upon the Israeli authorities to put an end to the policy of targeted assassination, and to comply with the provisions of international human rights and humanitarian law.