Gaza force ‘war crimes’

JERUSALEM: Human Rights Watch alleges that Israel’s use of lethal force against Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip may constitute war crimes.

This was said yesterday ahead of an emergency UN General Assembly vote on a resolution condemning Israel’s use of force.

Palestinians have held protests since March 30, calling for a “right of return” to ancestral homes now in Israel. At least 120 Palestinians have been killed and over 3 800 wounded by Israeli fire in protests along the border.

The Israeli military has said its soldiers defend Israeli civilians and security infrastructure from attacks cloaked by protests. Human Rights Watch called for retribution for “such blatant disregard for Palestinian lives”. – AP