U.N. calls for probe into Israeli forces shooting amputee protester

Dec. 19 (UPI) -- The United Nations on Tuesday called for an independent investigation into a wheelchair-bound man being shot dead by Israeli security forces last week.

Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said on Tuesday he was "truly shocked" at the killing, which occurred close to the fence between Gaza and Israel.

Ibrahim Nayef Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, a 29-year-old man from Gaza, had both legs amputated after an Israeli attack on Gaza in 2008. He was one of hundreds of Palestinians who protested against the United States' decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Al Hussein said international human rights law strictly regulates the use of force during protests and demonstrations.

"The lethal use of firearms should only be employed as the last resort, when strictly unavoidable, in order to protect life. However, 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," Al Hussein said. "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."

Protests have occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and in occupied Gaza since President Donald Trump's statement Dec. 6 recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

The response by Israeli Security Forces has resulted in five deaths, hundreds injured and large-scale arrests of Palestinians.

In Gaza, more than 220 people have reportedly been injured by live ammunition, including 95 on Friday; others have suffered injuries from tear gas or rubber bullets, the OHCHR said.

"This level of casualties raises serious concerns as to whether the force used by Israeli forces was properly calibrated to the threat," Al Hussein said. "And these events, including the loss of five irreplaceable human lives, can sadly be traced directly back to the unilateral U.S. announcement on the status of Jerusalem, which breaks international consensus and was dangerously provocative."