Palestinians protests on the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City. AFP/MAHMUD HAMS
Palestinians protests on the Israel-Gaza border east of Gaza City. AFP/MAHMUD HAMS

Israel investigates video of sniper shooting at Palestinian



Israel's army said on Monday it was investigating a video which showed troops cheering as a sniper shot an unarmed Palestinian demonstrator on the Gaza border.

The video, which appeared online, sharpened focus on Israel's killing of 31 Palestinians in protests along the border with the Gaza Strip since March 30.

The army claimed the video seemed to show an incident that happened “a number of months ago” and said that it “will be thoroughly investigated”.

The video – taken from the Israeli side of the border fence through binoculars or a telescopic sight – was shared online and by media after it appeared on Channel 10 television.

In it, voices can be heard discussing opening fire on unarmed Palestinians walking around on the other side of the border.

A shooter opens fire, knocking the target down.

“Wow. What a video! Yes! That son of a b***h,” one of the voices behind the camera exclaims in Hebrew.

It was not possible to verify the contents of the video independently or its origin.

Israel is in the spotlight for killing 31 Palestinians and wounding hundreds more in response to border protests in Gaza over the past 10 days.

Israel claims it has only opened fire when necessary to stop damage to the border fence, infiltration and attempted attacks.

The authorities have rebuffed international calls for an investigation into the killings, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday warned that his country would “hurt” anyone trying to attack it.

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Sri Lanka-India Test series schedule
  • 1st Test India won by 304 runs at Galle
  • 2nd Test India won by innings and 53 runs at Colombo
  • 3rd Test August 12-16 at Pallekele