The Palestinian Health Minister, Dr. Jawad Awwad, announced on Thursday that Israeli attacks targeting Palestinian protesters in the West Bank have left five killed civilians including a child and more than 750 others were injured by Israeli military gunfire, rubber-coated steel bullets and tear gas. According to Dr. Jawad’s press statement, at least 140 civilians were hit by Israeli military live gunfire, while 360 others were injured by rubber-coated steel bullets. The rest were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.
Israeli soldiers shot and killed, on Monday afternoon, a Palestinian child, 13 years of age, near the main entrance of ‘Aida refugee camp, north of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. Abdul-Rahman Obeidallah, was shot with a live round in the chest, and died of his serious wounds shortly after being moved to Bethlehem governmental hospital. The slain child was walking back home from school when the fatal Israeli round struck him.
At least 90 civilians were injured by Israeli settlers attacks targeting Palestinian civilians, Dr. Jawad said in his statement. He added that the ministry also documented 18 attacks by Israeli soldiers targeting Palestinian Ambulances, and that 20 medics were injured while providing help for the wounded during protests.
Moreover, the minister condemned the attack by Israeli settlers on a medical crew from the northern West Bank city of Tulkarem and the invasion of Nablus city hospital by Israeli undercover troops who kidnapped a patient from the hospital. The kidnapped patient is Karam Riziq – he remains in Israeli custody and his health condition is unknown.
As to the ammunition used by the Israeli army, Dr. Jawad said that the ministry have documented the use of live rounds of all sorts including explosive ones and high calibre sniper ammunition fire from what is called a “Roger sniper rifle”.
He explained that most injuries were focused in the upper part of the body indicating that the aim is “to shoot to kill” and not, as the army claims, to engage in ‘non-lethal’ use of force against demonstrators.
The recent wave of clashes erupted over a week ago, as Israeli settlers under the protection of the Israeli army escalated their invasions to the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s old city.
Sources WAFA News Agency
