​ICHR urges action by Human Rights Council

In a written statement to the UN Human Rights Council, Palestine's national human rights institution has called on Council members "to investigate the excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli occupying forces against Palestinian citizens" in the Gaza Strip.

In its statement, the Independent Commission on Human Rights (ICHR) noted that "these violations were perpetrated against the peaceful Great March of Return and protests against the blockade on Gaza".

The ICHR, which has been monitoring the human rights situation, stated that, the death toll between 30 March and 14 May 2018 was 86 citizens, including 12 children, two journalists and three persons with disabilities.

A total of 6,106 civilians were injured, including 860 children, 158 women, 54 journalists and 29 medics, the ICHR said.

"According to ICHR documentation, on 14 May 2018, fire was opened on peaceful demonstrators on the Gaza border … Demonstrations did not pose a threat to the Israeli occupying troops, who were positioned at a long distance from the protestors," the statement said.

"The health sector in Gaza faces a significant burden and is virtually incapable of coping with the increasing number of casualties.

"The ICHR calls on you to exert pressure on the occupying power and take concrete action to immediately lift the siege on Gaza and ensure the movement of persons and goods.

"The ICHR also calls for providing Gaza hospitals with medicines, emergency supplies, specialised medical teams, and allowing access for injured persons to receive medical attention outside Gaza."

The full statement to the Human Rights Council is available on the ICHR website.

Date: 19 May 2018

Source: Palestine Independent Commission on Human Rights