Teenager Israel Killed in Gaza was Handicapped, says Rights Center- hit by 10 bullets, most of them shot at the head

GAZA, August 17, 2011 (WAFA) – The Palestinian teenager Israeli soldiers killed Tuesday evening east of Deir Al-Balah in the Gaza Strip had mental disability, Wednesday said the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR).

It said Israeli soldiers stationed along the border with Gaza used excessive force and shot, with intention to kill, Sa’ad Majdalawy, 17, who was standing 400 meters away from them, refuting Israeli allegations that Majdalawy was near the soldiers.

PCHR said that Israeli forces could have used less lethal power or apprehended Majdalawy without killing him, it said.

The Israeli army claimed Majdalawy came too close to a fence built on its border with Gaza prompting soldiers stationed at a watch tower to open fire and kill him. Israel does not allow Palestinians to come more than 300 meters from the fence.

Medical sources said Majdalawy was hit by 10 bullets, most of them shot at the head, and bled to death for more than an hour and half without receiving any medical help from the Israeli forces and before allowing Palestinian medical staff to take the body to hospital.

Majdalawy’s father told PCHR that Sa’ad suffered from a partial mental disability and speech difficulties and he was often kept in the house.

PCHR condemned what it described as “criminal act” and “Israeli recklessness” when it comes to Palestinian lives. It called on the international community to put a stop to these acts and force Israel to abide by the Fourth Geneva Convention and other international agreements to guarantee the safety of Palestinian civilians in the Palestinian Territory.

Another Palestinian was killed and four, including a child, were injured during several military operations against the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, which included gunfire and missile attacks that targeted civilian locations and Hamas training sites, said the statement.
WAFA