ABUSIVE USE OF TEAR GAS IN GAZA Palestinians run for cover from tear gas during clashes with Israeli security forces near the border between Israel and the Gaza Strip, east of Jabalia on May 14, 2018, as Palestinians protest over the inauguration of the US embassy following its controversial move to Jerusalem. (Photograph ©Mohammed Abed/AFP/Getty Images) In response to protest during the “Great March of Return” in the Gaza Strip, from March 2018, Israeli forces employed tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire against the demonstrators resulting in deaths and thousands of injuries, including to children. Some 140 Palestinians, including at least 30 children, two journalists and three paramedics or health workers, have been killed by Israeli snipers and other soldiers during demonstrations in which people demanded their right to return and the end of Israel’s illegal blockade. According to preliminary statistics compiled by UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the cumulative number of injuries has exceeded 17,000. Of these, some 9,000 have been hospitalized, including 4,422 (47%) after they were hit with high-velocity military weapons and ammunition. Others have suffered from tear gas inhalation, or injuries caused by rubbercoated bullets. In addition to the use of standard hand-thrown or individual weapon-launched tear gas projectiles, the Israeli forces for the first time employed drones which flew above the crowds dropping tear gas projectiles onto the people below. Video footage of the protests shows how Israeli forces have used drones to fire tear gas cartridges at medical field tents 38 erected hundreds of meters away from the Israel/Gaza fence, journalists covering the protests, and peaceful protesters and crowds of bystanders.39 38 Amnesty International, “Israel/OPT: Israel/OPT: Israeli forces must end the use of excessive force in response to “Great March of Return” protests”, 13 April 2018, https://www.amnesty.org/en/press-releases/2018/04/israelopt-israeli-forces-must-end-the-use-ofexcessive-force-in-response-to-great-march-of-return-protests/ 39 Amnesty International, Israel/OPT: International Commission of Inquiry needed to ensure accountability for Israel’s deplorable use of excessive force in response to protests, 18 May 2018. 22 COMBATING TORTURE: THE NEED FOR COMPREHENSIVE REGULATION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT EQUIPMENT Amnesty International | Omega Research Foundation