Israel and Palestine
Netanyahu says no inquiry after 16 are killed, hundreds injured in Gaza protest
At least 16 Palestinians were killed and as many as 1,000 more injured by Israeli soldiers at the Gaza border on Friday, the beginning of Passover week. It was the bloodiest day in the Israel-Palestine conflict in four years.
About 30,000 Palestinian protesters were gathered at the border for March of the Return, a six-week protest over disputed land presently held by Israel. Some demonstrators reportedly attempted to cut the border fence, while others threw stones and burning tires. Israeli soldiers responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and live fire. Funerals were held Saturday,
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday there will be no inquiry into the casualties. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Amnesty International, Israel's left-wing Meretz party, and Federica Mogherini, the European Union's foreign policy chief, have all called for an independent probe.
"The use of live ammunition should, in particular, be part of an independent and transparent investigation," said Mogherini. "While Israel has the right to protect its borders, the use of force must be proportionate at all times."