Germany backs independent inquiry on Gaza violence
Germany backs independent inquiry on Gaza violence
Berlin changes tone towards Israel amid indiscriminate violence on Palestinian protester15.05.2018
By Ayhan Simsek
BERLIN
Germany
on Tuesday backed calls for an independent commission to investigate
rising tensions on Israel-Gaza border and reports of excessive use of
force by the Israeli military.
Speaking
at a press conference in Berlin, German government spokesman Steffen
Seibert expressed “serious concern” over the deaths of Palestinian
demonstrators by cross-border Israeli gunfire.
“In
our opinion, an independent investigation commission can shed light on
the violence and the bloody confrontations at the border area," he said.
His remarks marked an apparent change
of tone towards Israel, amid continued violation of international
standards by the Israeli army, which continued to use live ammunition
against protestors.
Last week, German
government expressed confidence in the work of Israeli authorities, who
pledge to conduct an “internal inquiry,” after dozens of Palestinians
were martyred in anti-occupation rallies.
Seibert
called on Israeli government and the Palestinian authorities to
exercise restraint and avoid any steps that could further escalate
tensions.
“Israeli government has the
right and responsibility to protect its citizens and secure its borders.
But while doing that, it must comply with the principle of
proportionality,” he stressed.
At least 61 Palestinian demonstrators were martyred and thousands more injured by Israeli forces on Monday.
Thousands
of Palestinians have gathered on Gaza Strip’s eastern border since
Monday morning to take part in protests aimed to commemorate the Nakba
anniversary and protest relocating of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to
Jerusalem.
The rallies will culminate
on Tuesday, May 15, the 70th anniversary of Israel's establishment -- an
event Palestinians refer to as the "Nakba" or "the Catastrophe".
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