UN committee 'alarmed' by Israeli force used in Gaza

GENEVA - The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination said here Monday it is alarmed by the "disproportionate use of force" displayed by the Israeli Security Forces against Palestinians taking part in demonstrations since March 30.

The UN committee said that "acting under its early warning" procedures it is "gravely concerned that many of the persons who died or were injured were reportedly posing no imminent threat at the time they were shot."

The statement came on the same day that Israel said its troops shot and killed three Palestinians who were on their way to plant an explosive device near the fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel.

In a statement released at the end of its 95th session, the UN committee said it is also "alarmed" by many reports saying that Israeli authorities have denied and continue to deny access to urgent medical treatment to injured Palestinians.

The UN committee urged Israel to put an immediate end to the disproportionate use of force against Palestinian demonstrators in the Gaza Strip and refrain from any act that could lead to further casualties.

It called for Israel to initiate "an impartial and independent investigation" into the use of force against Palestinian demonstrators in compliance with international standards and to hold those responsible accountable.

The blockade on the Gaza Strip should be lifted by Israel, said the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which met in Geneva from April 23 and May 11.