UN decries Palestinian attacks, ‘excessive’ force in Israeli response

The UN voices deep concern over an “unacceptable” wave of Palestinians attacking Israelis, but also slammed Israeli authorities for “excessive use of force” in response to the attacks.

“We continue to be gravely concerned at the unrelenting violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Israel,” Cecile Pouilly, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, tells reporters.

“We call on both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to act decisively to de-escalate the situation,” she adds.

Since October 1, almost daily attacks by Palestinians and clashes with Israeli soldiers have killed 117 on the Palestinian side, 21 Israelis, an American and an Eritrean, and thousands more have been injured, she says.

Many of the Palestinians killed have been attackers, while others have been shot dead by Israeli security forces during clashes.

Pouilly warns that although international attention appeared to be waning, “the level of killings, injuries and arrests has continued, with an average of one person dying every day.”

“The unacceptable wave of stabbings, shootings and car rammings continues to kill and injure Israelis,” she says, warning though that “the response from Israeli security forces has resulted in alleged attackers, protesters and even bystanders being killed and injured.”

She points out that in the H2 area of Hebron alone, 16 of the 17 Palestinians allegedly involved in attacks against Israelis since October 1 were shot dead, while one had been injured and arrested.

“We again voice deep concern over reports of excessive use of force by Israeli forces,” Pouilly says.

— AFP