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This is an entry from: LATEST: Gaza sees more protests and violence on Nakba Day, after 62 killed

'The sound of snipers was very intense'

14 May 2018 16:26 BST

Israeli forces have dialled up their response to protesters in Gaza, using more heavy-handed tactics than in previous weeks, according to lawyers from the Adalah human rights organisation and legal centre, which has observed protests throughout the weeks-long Great March of Return.

A Palestinian woman injured in protests in Gaza is carried away by stretcher (MEE/Mohamed Asad)

"The sound of snipers was very intense. The use of tanks as well was very much heard. What we heard and what we saw definitely reflects the high number of deaths," Adalah lawyer Sawsan Zaher told MEE. "The scene of Gaza...from where we [watched] on different points on the border, really reflects different and more aggressive behaviour by the army toward Gazans who are demonstrating."

Zaher added that:

  • The lethal use of sniper fire was illegal under international and Israeli law but Adalah was still awaiting a High Court ruling on ending the use of snipers;
  • A high number of upper body injuries suggested intent to kill, according to Adalah data;
  • Previous weeks had been much calmer but the Israeli response has been more aggressive despite no significant change in the behaviour of protesters.