The United Nations has called for an immediate investigation into the violence of Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians in Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.
During a press conference in Geneva, OHCHR’s spokeswoman, Ravina Shamdasani, announced that roughly 180 Palestinians, including at least 27 children, were injured by Israeli forces in the vicinity of Al Aqsa Mosque.
“A number of Palestinians, including elderly, women, children and at least one journalist, who did not appear to pose any threat to the Israeli security forces in any manner, were beaten with batons or shot with sponge-tipped bullets from close range,” said Ms. Shamdasani.
She added that 470 Palestinians, including 60 children, have been arrested by the Israeli police.
The UN expressed its deep concern about the escalation of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories during the past month.
Shamdasani added, “The use of force by Israeli police resulting in widespread injuries among worshippers and staff in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound must be promptly, impartially, independently and transparently investigated,”
Hundreds of Israeli soldiers and settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on a daily basis over the last week, which coincided with the Jewish “Passover”, which fell on the third week of the holy month of Ramadan, between 16 and 22 April.
