BFF-49 Israeli army opens probe into killing of Gaza medic

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Israeli army opens probe into killing of Gaza medic

JERUSALEM, Oct 30, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Israel’s army said Tuesday it has
opened a military police investigation into the killing of a Palestinian
medical volunteer along the Gaza border in June.

Razan al-Najjar, 21, was fatally shot on June 1 near the southern Gaza town
of Khan Yunis during protests and clashes along the border.

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said at the time she was hit “as she
was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester”, adding that
three other first responders were also hit by live fire on the same day.

Israel’s army said in the days after her death that its troops did not
deliberately shoot her, but the incident was further reviewed by the military
advocate general.

“A military police investigation has been opened regarding the death of the
volunteer medic Razan al-Najjar,” the army said in Tuesday’s statement,
noting the probe was ordered following the advocate general’s review.

At least 218 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the months of
demonstrations and clashes.

One Israeli soldier has been killed along the border since the protests
began on March 30.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop
infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that
runs the Gaza Strip, of seeking to orchestrate.

Palestinians and rights groups say protesters have been shot while posing
little threat.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

BSS/AFP/MRI/2244 HRS