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Follow Us on TwitterUNRWA condemn Israel attacks on Nakba protests 16May11 May 17, 2011
Palestine News Network - 16 May 2011
The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Filippo Grandi, issued a statement on Monday condemning Israeli attacks on Nakba protests on Sunday which left 16 killed an 400 more injured.
Israeli troops attacked Nakab protests in several parts of the West Bank, Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, in addition to the Lebanese and Syrian borders.
“ I deplore the deaths of Palestine refugees in Lebanon, the occupied Golan Heights and the occupied Palestinian territory. As Commissioner-General of UNRWA, I continue to follow the situation confronting the population we serve with concern and I echo the call on all parties to show restraint and ensure that civilians are not killed or injured.” Grandi stated on Monday.
Commissioner Grandi added that “ These sad events demonstrate once more the vulnerability of the Palestine refugees we serve. They underline the need for a just and durable solution, based on UN resolutions, to resolve the plight of those who have endured statelessness, exile and dispossession for 63 years.”
On Sunday 10 Palestinian refugees were killed and some 80 others injured when Israeli soldiers opened fire at protesters at the border fence near Maroun al-Ras at the Lebanese borders. Five civilians were killed and At least 30 more were injured when Israeli troops stationed at the Syrian borders opened fire at protesters form the Syrian border village of Majdal Shams.
In Ramallah city central West Bank, 160 people were injured among them two in critical conditions when soldiers fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters who gathered at the Qalandiya checkpoint separating Ramallah from East Jerusalem.
While in Gaza one civilian were reported killed by Israeli fire in addition 86 were injured among them children and one journalist in critical conditions, when Israeli tanks and troops shelled a protest organized to commemorate the Nakaba in Beit Hannon in the northern part of the Gaza Strip.
“At a time of profound and far-reaching change in the region, I urge the parties to address what the Secretary-General has called the “unsustainable status quo in the Arab-Israeli conflict” including the fate of the refugees. I fear that failure to do so will only lead to more instability and further loss of life.” Commissioner Grandi concluded.
Thank You.
