38th Special Session of the Human Rights Council – Geneva,

   18 May 2018 The deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem

Thank you Mr President, ICSFT would like to thank the Human Rights Council Secretariat for convening this Special Session on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. We recognize today the significant suffering of the Palestinian people who have been systematically, and unilaterally attacked in gross violation of international norms and laws by Israeli occupiers. As Palestinians were marching to bring attention to the their Right of Return and an end to the blockade on Gaza as enshrined in United Nations Resolution 194, Israeli military snipers were prepositioned with shoot-to-kill orders. Palestinians peaceful and non-violent demands have been met with a brutal show of force, with 100 Palestinians killed (including 12 children) and over 12,200 injured by Israeli forces over the past seven weeks of Great March of Return rallies – of which 53% by live ammunition. Despite several call by the international community and relevant stakeholders urging Israel to refrain from using excessive force against unarmed protesters, Israel continues to act with complete impunity with the support of its allies. What we are witnessing today is a massacre. While Israel holds the ultimate responsibility, blame also lies with all governments that do not take action to stop the killings. Mr President, ICSFT would like to remark that mere lip service and “voice of concern” is not only insufficient but may act to normalize and perpetuate the ongoing massacre and violation of international laws which Israel is committing daily. We also support the international call to rescind USA’s embassy move to Jerusalem as it’s adding fuel to the ongoing unrest and undermining efforts towards peaceful solutions. ICFST calls on all international accountability mechanisms including the UN HRC & SC to take immediate and resolute action to stop this massacre and grave breach of international law, and hold Israel- and its financial and political backers- accountable. There must be legal consequences for the massacre of Palestinian peaceful protesters, and the only time to act is now. Thank you Mr. President

ICSFT oral intervention for the 28th special session on Palestine!