The UN’s human rights chief said Tuesday he was “truly shocked” by Israeli troops’ killing of a wheelchair-bound Palestinian protester in Gaza, Ibrahim Abu Thuraya, and demanded an “independent and impartial investigation”.
Ibrahim Abu Thuraya, a 29-year-old who lost his legs after an Israeli attack a decade ago, was among five Palestinians martyred on Friday during protests against US President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as the Israeli capital.
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 Thuraya was among hundreds of Palestinians who marched across farmland towards the fence separating Gaza from the occupied territories, and appeared to have been shot in the head by occupation forces.
“The facts gathered so far by my staff in Gaza strongly suggest that the force used against Ibrahim Abu Thuraya was excessive,” Zeid said.
“As far as we can see, there is nothing whatsoever to suggest that Ibrahim Abu Thuraya 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.”
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.
Source: AFP
