EU ‘appalled’ by alleged killing of 2 Gazans by Hamas security forces

The European Union said on Tuesday that it was “appalled” by the deaths of two Gaza residents during or immediately following altercations with Hamas security forces, as human rights groups call for independent investigations of both deaths.

Hassan Abu Zayed, a 27-year-old resident of Gaza City, was driving on Friday night when he was shot and killed by Hamas security forces, allegedly as he sped through a checkpoint.

Imad Tawil, a 27-year-old resident of Deir al-Balah, was allegedly beaten by Hamas police early on Sunday during a raid by officers in the city’s al-Nuseirat Refugee Camp. A half hour later, Tawil began to complain of chest pains before collapsing. Although he was rushed to a nearby hospital, he later died, according to the Independent Commission for Human Rights.

The European Union, along with Palestinian human rights groups, have called for independent investigations of both incidents.