Crime rates in Gaza are falling Gaza - Mohammed Habib Gaza’s Public Prosecutor Ismail Jaber has stressed that the Gaza Strip currently enjoys a state of peace and security not previously witnessed. Speaking to Arabstoday, Jaber said that the strip has “witnessed a notable decline in homicide rates,” clarifying that only 19 murders were committed in 2012, compared to 24 in 2011. He added that the murders committed in 2012 were for retaliatory reasons for crimes committed during the previous “era of insecurity.” “Gaza’s Public Prosecution has managed to achieve notable progress in combating crime,” said Jaber and they continue to work to increase public awareness of the dangers in the Palestinian community. Jaber said that social media networks have been utilised to increase awareness and involve communities in the work of the prosecution. He added that the judicial work in Gaza is "progressing well." The Palestinian Prosecutor confirmed he will head a Palestinian delegation to attend the trial of the Israeli military leaders accused of crimes against humanity. The leaders are accused of attacking the Turkish ship of Marmara that was heading to the Gaza strip, ignoring the Israeli blockade imposed on the Palestinian people. Jaber said that the prosecution had monitored the investigation and had submitted evidence to the Turkish court. He also clarified that his institution has worked to document crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinian people, adding that they had submitted reports to a “number of international authorities,” condemning the Israeli occupation. He stressed his respect for freedom of expression, saying that peaceful demonstrations are a “legal right” if they are exercised without committing any attacks against individuals, institutions, public funds or employees. “Governmental institutions should work in a peaceful and stable atmosphere,” he said: “and work to confront the challenges that impede the personal freedoms of the people.”