The United States
has blocked a draft statement by the United Nations Security Council that called for an investigation into the killing of 17 unarmed Palestinian protesters near the Gaza Strip's eastern border.
The statement, which was proposed by Kuwait, demanded an "independent and transparent investigation" under international law into the bloody events on Friday's Land Day protests.
The statement also expressed "grave concern at the situation at the border" and stressed "the right to peaceful protest".
However, the US blocked the statement on Saturday, with US representative to the UN Walter Miller saying "bad actors" were using the "protests as a cover to incite violence" and to "endanger innocent lives."
US, UK 'complicit in Israel's occupation'
Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Executive Committee, condemned the US' decision, describing the US and the UK as beingcomplicit in Israel's persistent violations and violence.
"The Israeli army used unbridled violence, unleashing more than 100 snipers and firing live ammunition, tear gas and rubber-coated steel bullets against the protesters before the very eyes of the entire international community," Ashrawi said in a statement on Saturday.
"Yet, the UN Security Council failed to agree on a statement condemning the egregious violations that occurred at the hands of Israel.
"Such a counterproductive stance can render them [the UK and the US] complicit in Israel's military occupation and in its persistent violations and violence," she continued.
"Neither one has displayed the moral or political courage to hold Israel to account and to curb its illegal behaviour."
Meanwhile, Israel's minister of defence Avigdor Lieberman rejected calls for an inquiry into the actions of the Israeli army.
"Israeli soldiers did what was necessary. I think all our soldiers deserve a medal," Lieberman told Army Radio on Sunday.
"As for a commission of inquiry - there won't be one."
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