JERUSALEM, May 15, 2018 (WAFA) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned on Tuesday “the appalling, deadly violence in Gaza” resulting from Israeli army killing of over 60 Palestinians and wounding more than 2000 others.

Rupert Colville, spokesman for the Commissioner, said the already crumbling health care system in Gaza has been placed under incredible strain and those suffering life-threatening injuries face a nightmarish scenario in the absence of adequate hospital beds and medical services.

“The rules on the use of force under international law have been repeated many times but appear to have been ignored again and again. It seems anyone is liable to be shot dead or injured: women, children, press personnel, first responders, bystanders, and at almost any point up to 700m from the fence,” said the spokesman.

He said the Israeli army used lethal force against the Palestinian demonstrators.

“We stress, again, that lethal force may only be used as a measure of last – not first – resort, and only when there is an immediate threat to life or serious injury. An attempt to approach or crossing or damaging the fence do not amount to a threat to life or serious injury and are not sufficient grounds for the use of live ammunition. This is also the case with regards to stones and molotov cocktails being thrown from a distance at well-protected security forces located behind defensive positions.”

Colville called for “independent, transparent investigations in all cases of death and injury.” Since 30 March, 112 Palestinians, including 14 children, have lost their lives at the fence and thousands have been injured.

The UN High Commissioner described in a tweet on Monday the high number of killings as “shocking.” He said. “Those responsible for outrageous human rights violations must be held to account. The international community needs to ensure justice for victims.”

M.K.