43rd session of the Human Rights Council: UN High Commissioner report states that Palestinians killed by Israeli forces outside of hostilities

On behalf of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, H.E Ms Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights presented updates on developments in regard to accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT), including East Jerusalem between 1 November 2018 and 30 October 2019.  It was stated that during this period, a total of 131 Palestinians were killed (103 men, 5 women and 23 children) by Israeli security forces with the vast majority of the killings and injuries outside the context of hostilities. Madam Assistant Secretary-General referred to the access use of force by Israeli forces during peaceful protests known as the Great March of Return at the Israel-Gaza fence, which commenced in March 2018, continued to take place almost every Friday. Moreover, she underlined lack of accountability for suspected violations of international humanitarian law, including allegations of war crimes perpetrated by all parties to the conflict and called to ensure prompt and effective remedies. As the state concerned, the Israeli delegation was demonstratively absent. The delegate of Palestinian State confirmed the allegations and called for sanctions for serious violations of international law. The other HRC members criticised lack of cooperation by Israel and made their comments on presented report.