Israeli forces have shot and injured more than 300 Palestinians with live ammunition in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip since January, according to data released last month by the United Nations (UN).
The number is lower than the real total, since it does not include casualties since the end of August.
Half of Palestinian injuries from live fire in 2016 (153 out of 312) have occurred in refugee camps, and a number of those shot now suffer life-long disabilities.
Last summer saw a surge in the number of Palestinians shot by Israeli forces with live rounds – while the monthly average between January and June was 30 such injuries, in July through to August the monthly average was 66.
According to UNOCHA, Israeli occupation forces’ “use of firearms in densely-populated areas, resulting in deaths and serious injuries, raises concerns about the possible use of excessive force that may have led to unlawful killings.”
UNOCHA also points to “multi-year data” that “indicate a rise in the percentage of injuries from live ammunition in recent years.” In 2015, live ammunition accounted for 11% of all Palestinian injuries, and for 14% in 2016 so far. In 2010-2013, however, the figure stayed between 2-4%.
On 16 August, Israeli forces raided the Al-Fawwar refugee camp near Hebron, killing a 19-year-old Palestinian and injuring 51 residents, 31 of whom were hit with live ammunition. “Many of the latter were shot in their lower legs, either just under their knees or near their ankles”, says UN OCHA.
The agency also cites the story of “R.”, a 15-year-old child shot in Bethlehem’s Al-Duheisha Camp during an Israeli arrest raid on 1 August. According to R., he was shot three times in the legs by a sniper. A friend who ran to assist him was also shot twice in the legs.
- had to undergo six surgical operations and requires further medical treatment to avoid future disabilities. The child was arrested by Israeli forces two days after being interviewed by UN staff, and placed under house arrest for three months.
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