Statement by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator James W. Rawley on the IDF use of live fire in the West Bank

Jerusalem, 30 January 2013

"The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator is seriously concerned by the increased casualties resulting from the use of live ammunition by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank. Eight Palestinian civilians, including three minors and one woman, have been killed since mid-November in separate incidents in the West Bank. Investigations have reportedly been opened by the Israeli authorities into some of the incidents. The right of peaceful protest must be upheld and all protests should be kept strictly non-violent. The Humanitarian Coordinator urges maximum restraint in order to avoid further civilian casualties. Using live ammunition against civilians may constitute excessive use of force and any such occurrences should be investigated in a timely, thorough, independent and impartial manner. Individuals found responsible must be held accountable."

ENDS