Israel Says Its Methods in Response to Gaza Border Protests Will Not Change

Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that the severe methods used in recent days in response to Hamas-supported protests at the Gaza border will not change, and anyone approaching the Israeli border risks their life. Lieberman made these remarks on April 2 at the Israel-Gaza border, where 18 Palestinians were killed on the first day of protests that Hamas claims will last for six weeks. On Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry announced that a 25-year-old Palestinian was shot dead by Israeli forces at the border. The Associated Press reports that Lieberman's statements at the Gaza border have increased the likelihood of more violence and bloodshed in the coming days. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian representative to the United Nations, has called on the UN Security Council to take immediate action to 'protect Palestinian civilians,' especially in the Gaza Strip. Mansour expressed support for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's call for an independent investigation into the deadly clashes in Gaza. The Secretary-General had requested an independent and transparent investigation into the events and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid actions that would lead to increased casualties and harm to civilians. The so-called 'Million Return March' of Palestinians, supported by Hamas and other Palestinian organizations active in Gaza, began last week and has seen thousands participate. This gathering was held in commemoration of 'Land Day,' an annual event observed by Arab citizens of Israel and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza on March 30, to remember the bloody protests of 1976. However, this year, the protests are expected to continue along the Israeli borders for six weeks. The Israeli army stated that it opened fire on 'provocateurs' during these protests. Colonel Eyal Zamir, commander of the Israeli army's southern brigade, stated that 'there have been many provocations from the Palestinians that are worsening the situation.' Israel had deployed snipers along the borders a day before the protests began to counter Palestinians who might attempt to breach the border fence and enter Israel. The Israeli army emphasized that it will not tolerate any 'provocation' around the border fence.