Israeli forces shoot and kill a 14-year-old child during a demonstration in Gaza

A 14-year-old Palestinian child was shot and killed by Israeli forces on Friday 19 June during a demonstration at the so-called Gaza border. Yasser Abu al-Naja was shot in the head by an Israeli soldier using live ammunition. A second Palestinian man, Mohammad Al-Hamayda, was also shot and killed during the protest. Four other Palestinian protesters were shot with live ammo and remain in critical condition.

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“In accordance with the standard operating procedures”

In a statement issued to the press, a spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said live ammo was used “in accordance with the standard operating procedures”. This came after non-lethal force was unsuccessful in “negating the threat”.

Israeli forces said the death of Yasser Abu al-Naja will be investigated.

415 wounded

According to health officials in Gaza, of the 2,000 demonstrators present, 415 Palestinians were wounded during the march on 29 June. Of these 415, 11 were children.

According to IDF officials, Israeli forces “used large amounts of riot dispersal means”, including tear gas, to disperse the crowds.

Great March of Return

Yasser Abu al-Naja is just the latest Palestinian casualty of the continued demonstrations at the so-called border. According to Gaza officials, Israeli forces have killed 135 protesters since the Great March of Return rallies began in March. The demonstrations began to mark the establishment of Israel and the ejection of Palestinians from the region 70 years ago.

The most high-profile incident was the killing of medic Razan al-Najjar who was shot by an IDF sniper on 1 June.

Feature image via screenshot