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Human Rights Commissioner Bärbel Kofler on the death of 15‑year-old Palestinian Ali Abu Alia
Bärbel Kofler, Federal Government Commissioner for Human Rights Policy and Humanitarian Assistance at the Federal Foreign Office, issued the following statement today (9 December) on the death of 15‑year-old Palestinian Ali Abu Alia:
I am appalled by the death of 15‑year-old Palestinian Ali Abu Alia. I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. According to reports, live ammunition was used disproportionately against the protesters. International humanitarian law rightly stipulates that children and minors enjoy special protection from violence. I therefore call on Israel to investigate the circumstances of Ali Abu Alia’s death in a transparent and comprehensive manner.
Background information:
On Friday, Palestinian demonstrators protested against a settlement outpost in the village al‑Mughayyer, northeast of Ramallah. According to reports, 15‑year-old Ali Abu Alia was fatally wounded by live ammunition during clashes with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Four other Palestinians were injured. Human rights observers of the United Nations have reported several cases in the last few days in which Palestinian demonstrators, including young adults, were seriously injured.