UN calls for de-escalating tensions in Israel, Palestine

Geneva: The UN Human Rights body on Tuesday voiced concern over escalation of killings in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, where on an average one person is killed daily, and appealed to leaders from both sides to "decisively" de-escalate the situation.

"We continue to be gravely concerned at the unrelenting violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and in Israel," said Cecile Pouilly, spokesperson for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

"Although international attention on the crisis has waned, the level of killings, injuries and arrests has continued, with on average one person dying every day," Pouilly said.

Since the current escalation of conflicts from the beginning of October, a total of 21 Israelis and 117 Palestinians have lost their lives, along with two foreign nationals, with thousands more injured, according to OHCHR.

The UN Human Rights office expressed "deep concern" over the excessive use of force by Israeli forces in response to killings of Israelis, a OHCHR statement said.

Even bystanders have been killed in Hebron area and of the 16 alleged attacks against Israelis, 16 Palestinians have been shot dead and one injured, it said.

The OHCHR called for "prompt, independent and impartial investigations" into all use of force by law enforcement officials that have resulted in death or injury.

"It is not the first time that we raise these type of concerns and we keep on doing it. Now the Israeli answers, so far they haven't come up with concluding investigations which is why I reiterate our calls for these investigations," Pouilly said.

"We call on both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to act decisively to de-escalate the situation," the statement said.