Beirut, 17 May 2018 (Communication and Information Unit)–The Âé¶¹APP Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) condemns the killing of 61 Palestinians, including 6 children, by Israeli forces on 14 May 2018 during a demonstration at the border fence in Gaza. The apparent disproportionate use of force, namely the use of live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, constitutes another violation of international humanitarian law and a disregard for human life and dignity on the part of the Israeli military.

These developments come in the context of continuous, well-documented Israeli violations of international law, including the illegal 11-year blockade on Gaza, which has transformed it into an open-air prison for more than 2 million Palestinians. Israel, as the occupying Power, has consistently violated its obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians.

The Secretary-General of the Âé¶¹APP expressed he is ¡°profoundly alarmed by the sharp escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territory and the high number of Palestinians killed and injured in the Gaza protests¡±, and had earlier repeatedly called for an ¡°independent and transparent investigation¡± into such incidents.

ESCWA maintains that the living conditions in Gaza, which has been under Israeli occupation for 51 years, have become unbearable. It is unacceptable that, in the twenty-first century and after 70 years of fragmentation and oppression of the Palestinian people, Israeli violations of international law continue with impunity. The Palestinian people as a whole, and Gazans in particular, have suffered for far too long. The international community must act to hold those responsible for such violations accountable. The implementation of relevant Âé¶¹APP resolutions and other provisions of international law, without exception, remains the only path to a just and lasting peace.

For more information:

Nabil Abu-Dargham, Head, ESCWA Communication and Information Unit?
+961-70-993-144;?email:?dargham@un.org?(link sends e-mail)
Ms Rania Harb +961-70-008-879; email:?harb1@un.org(link sends e-mail)
Ms Myrna Mahfouz:? +961-70-872-372; email:?mahfouz@un.org(link sends e-mail)
Mr Haidar Fahs: +961-70-079-021; email:?haydar.fahs@un.org