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UN slams 'shocking' killing of disabled Palestinian protester
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This file photo taken on May 19, 2017 shows handicapped Palestinian demonstrator Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh waving a Palestinian flag during clashes with Israeli soldiers following a protest against the blockade on Gaza, near the border fence east of Gaza City. The 29-year-old Abu Thurayeh was shot during clashes with Israeli security forces against Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, on Dec. 15, 2017 the Palestinian health ministry said, shortly after another man was killed in similar circumstances. (Agence France -Presse/Mohammed Abed)
T
he UN's human rights chief said Tuesday he was "truly shocked" by Israeli troops' killing of a wheelchair-bound Palestinian protester in Gaza, and demanded an "independent and impartial investigation".
Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, a 29-year-old who lost his legs after an Israeli attack a decade ago, was among five Palestinians killed on Friday during protests against US President Donald Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein slammed Trump's decision as "dangerously provocative" and blamed it for the violence.
The UN human rights office said Abu Thurayeh was among hundreds of Palestinians who marched across farmland towards the fence separating Gaza from Israel, and appeared to have been shot in the head when he was 20 metres (yards) from the barrier.
"The facts gathered so far by my staff in Gaza strongly suggest that the force used against Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was excessive," Zeid said.
"As far as we can see, there is nothing whatsoever to suggest that Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was posing an imminent threat of death or serious injury when he was killed.
"Given his severe disability, which must have been clearly visible to those who shot him, his killing is incomprehensible – a truly shocking and wanton act."
Having no legs did not stop Ibrahim Abu Thuraya from protesting Israel's oppression in Gaza today but an Israeli bullet to the head did. He was killed in Gaza today. pic.twitter.com/SyHxqiNY42
— (((YousefMunayyer))) (@YousefMunayyer) December 15, 2017
In video footage recorded early on Friday, Abu Thurayeh could be seen carrying the Palestinian flag and waving the victory sign at Israeli soldiers across the border.
Palestinians consider at least part of Jerusalem, which is under full Israeli control, as the capital of their future state and have been infuriated by the decision.
"Israeli security forces have responded with firearms, including live-ammunition, to disperse the protesters," the rights office said.
Ibrahim Abu Thuraya lost his legs when Israel bombed his home in Gaza in 2008. Today he was shot and killed by Israeli occupation forces. pic.twitter.com/virqxpDvpt
— CJ Werleman (@cjwerleman) December 15, 2017
"These events, including the loss of five irreplaceable human lives, can sadly be traced directly back to the unilateral US announcement on the status of Jerusalem, which breaks international consensus and was dangerously provocative."
While the Israeli army has reportedly conducted a preliminary internal probe into the events, Zeid urged "an independent and impartial investigation" to ensure perpetrators are held accountable.
