UN slams Israel's use of 'excessive force' in Gaza

The UN high commissioner for human rights urged Israel on Friday to refrain from using excessive force against Palestinians, as hundreds gathered near the Gaza-Israel border for a fifth round of weekly protests.

Zeid Raad Al Hussein said Israeli troops have not heeded warnings by the United Nations and others, repeatedly using lethal force against unarmed protesters over the past month.

Since the weekly marches began, at least 41 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,500 wounded by Israeli soldiers firing from across the border fence, according to Gaza health officials.

Among those killed were four minors, including a 14-year-old boy.

"The loss of life is deplorable, and the staggering number of injuries caused by live ammunition only confirms the sense that excessive force has been used against demonstrators – not once, not twice, but repeatedly," the commissioner said.

The marches have been driven by widespread despair in the coastal territory of two million people after more than a decade of closed borders.

Gaza organizers say that in addition to compelling an end to the blockade, the marches are meant to press for the "right of return" of refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. Two-thirds of Gaza residents are descendants of refugees.

Since late March, thousands have demonstrated every Friday in five protest tent camps, each set up several hundred meters from the border fence. Smaller groups have moved toward the fence, throwing stones, burning tires or hurling firebombs.

Israeli soldiers, including snipers taking cover behind sand berms, have fired tear gas, rubber-coated steel pellets and live rounds.

By mid-day on Friday, only a few hundred people had turned up at two protests camps, a significantly lower turnout than in previous demonstrations.

In one area, east of Gaza City, several dozen people approached the border fence, some throwing stones. Israeli forces fired several rounds of tear gas.

Israel's military has said troops are under orders to target "instigators," but has also warned that anyone approaching or trying to damage the fence risks his life.

Israel has accused Hamas of using the protests as cover for attacks on the border, including planting explosives near the fence. Israel says it has the right to defend its border, including nearby communities.

Rights groups have said such open-fire rules are unlawful because they allow soldiers to use potentially lethal force in situations where their lives are not in danger.

The UN human rights commissioner said on Friday that "it is difficult to see" how throwing stones, burning tires or even hurling firebombs from a distance at heavily protected security forces in defensive positions could be seen as life-threatening.