Israel Defends Actions on Gaza Border

Israel has again rejected allegations of excessive use of force in responding to disorders along the Gaza fence, this time in a High Court hearing on Sunday.

State attorneys answered petitions brought by rights organizations concerning the robust rules of engagement set for IDF soldiers assigned to quelling riots at the border, allowing them to use live ammunition when necessary to defend themselves or prevent a breach of the fence by the Hamas-organized crowds.

The attorneys argued that it was disingenuous of the petitioners to portray the protesters as peaceful demonstrators. Rather, they said, they are “part of the armed conflict between the Hamas terror group and Israel.”

Charges that the IDF has been violating international law by violently putting down the protests were also refuted. “The security forces’ rules of engagement in the area of the security barrier are in line with Israeli law and international law,” the state’s response read.

The petitions were filed by groups including Adalah, which offers legal advice for Arab minorities in Israel, and the Yesh Din rights organization.

Over 40 Palestinians have been killed in clashes with the IDF on the Gaza border since the protests started last month. Three people were killed and over 300 hurt in rallies on Friday, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said.

In a statement Friday, the army said “hundreds of rioters” tried to burn the fence and infiltrate Israel. It said the crowd approached the fence and threw grenades, explosives, firebombs and rocks as they tried to set the fence on fire. Troops opened fire “in accordance with the rules of engagement” and halted the crowd.