Palestinian Youth Shot Dead Crossing Separation Barrier Near Jerusalem

A 20-year-old Palestinian man, reportedly looking for work, was shot dead on Monday (13/7) while attempting to cross the Israeli separation barrier into East Jerusalem, according to the United Nations humanitarian agency. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated the victim was trying to cross the barrier in the Bir Nabala area into East Jerusalem. The office did not disclose the identity or affiliation of the shooter. “Palestinians must be protected at all times, and in the context of law enforcement, the use of lethal force must be a last resort,” OCHA said. In October 2023, Israeli authorities revoked or suspended most permits granted to Palestinians to enter East Jerusalem and Israel, whether for work or other purposes. Israel began constructing the winding separation barrier in 2002 in an effort to stop a wave of Palestinian attacks. As of 6 June, the UN humanitarian community in the occupied Palestinian territory had recorded the deaths of 20 Palestinians and injuries to more than 290 others who were reportedly attempting to cross the barrier, OCHA detailed. Regarding Gaza, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stated it was last permitted to bring in animal feed on 4 June. Since early February, the price of animal feed in local markets has increased two or threefold, depending on the type, hampering the FAO’s recent achievements in reducing livestock mortality and increasing the goat and sheep population. “To protect livestock and strengthen local food availability, humanitarian agencies are calling for the reopening of access for animal feed imports, as well as the full and unimpeded entry of essential agricultural supplies by the private sector and the aid community,” OCHA stated.