Gaza Violence Left 16 More Palestinian Dead
Gaza Violence Left 16 More Palestinian Dead: 16 Palestinians killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation on Friday. As per Gazan sources clashes started as tens of thousands of Gazans protested near the border and to force back smaller numbers of demonstrators who approached within a few hundred yards (meters) of the heavy border fence, the Israeli forces used tear gas and live fire.
Human rights groups have accused the army of using excessive force, and both the U.N. secretary-general and the European Union’s foreign policy chief have urged an investigation.
Kuwait, called for an emergency meeting with UNSC and proposed a statement calling for an “independent and transparent investigation” of the violence. In a statement to UN Security Council, they expressed grave concern at the situation at the border. It reiterated the right to peaceful protest and expressed sorrow at the loss of lives.
- The proposed statement also called “for respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including protection of civilians,” as per draft details.
- Council members “called upon all sides to exercise restraint and prevent a further escalation,” the draft said.
- The proposed statement stressed the need to promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.
Human rights groups have accused the army of using excessive force, and both the U.N. secretary-general and the European Union’s foreign policy chief have urged an investigation.
Israel has rejected international calls for an investigation into deadly violence along Gaza’s border with Israel, saying troops acted appropriately and fired only at Palestinian protesters who posed a threat.
The United States on Saturday blocked a draft UN Security Council statement and said it does not support the statement.