Israel faces backlash as Gaza dead buried
Palestinians vow to press on day after scores of protesters killed at border
Palestinians buried their dead Tuesday as global condemnation of Israel intensified one day after Israeli troops killed scores of protesters and wounded thousands along the Gaza border.
Two more Palestinians were killed Tuesday in clashes with Israeli soldiers in Gaza’s al-Bureij refugee camp. Protests were smaller and generally quieter than Monday, with funerals drawing the biggest crowds as thousands mourned and waved Palestinian flags.
In Gaza City, hundreds attended the funeral of 8-month-old Leila al-Ghandour, who died of tear gas exposure, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The child was one of 59 Palestinians killed in Monday’s clashes with the Israeli military along the fence line, the deadliest day of violence in the region since 2014.
Michael Lynk, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territory, condemned Israel’s response to the largely unarmed demonstrators.
“This blatant excessive use of force by Israel — an eye for an eyelash — must end, and there must be true accountability for those in military and political command who have ordered or allowed this force to be once again employed at the Gaza fence,” Lynk said.
The U.N. Security Council met to discuss the violence but wrapped up for the day without taking action. Nikki Haley, the American envoy to the U.N., blamed Hamas for the violence and said Israel acted with restraint.
A ceremony Monday formally moving the U.S. Embassy in Israeli to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv outraged Palestinians who have long hoped to create a capital for themselves in the city’s eastern sector. Haley, however, said the move was no excuse for violence.
“The Hamas terrorist organization has been inciting violence for years, long before the United States decided to move our embassy,” she said.
In South Africa, thousands marched in Cape Town and the government re- called its ambassadors to Israel. Turkey recalled its ambassadors to Israel and the United States. Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel called Israel’s response unacceptable, adding that “firing live rounds on protesters is shameful.”
Germany was among nations calling for an independent U.N. investigation, although Chancellor Angela Merkel said she “understands Israel’s security needs.” Alistair Burt, the United Kingdom’s minister for the Middle East, said Monday’s events were “shocking” and “extremely worrying.”
“All sides now need to show real leadership and courage,” Burt said.
Doctors without Borders, which said its medical teams were “working around the clock” to treat the wounded, said the “Israeli army must stop its disproportionate use of violence against Palestinian protesters.”
Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the use of force, saying every country must defend its borders.
Palestinians began a series of protests six weeks ago dubbed the Great March of Return. More than 100 Palestinians have been killed in clashes since the protests began. Hamas Khalil alHayya, a senior Hamas official, called for an “Islamic intifada,” or uprising, in response to the deaths.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was with protesters east of Gaza City, vowed the protests would continue.
“Our message today is the Return March and siege-breaking is going on,” he said. “The massacre, the Israeli occupation committed against our ... youths will only increase our steadfastness.”
“This blatant excessive use of force by Israel — an eye for an eyelash — must end, and there must be true accountability.”
Michael Lynk U.N. special representative for human rights