NEW YORK, 14 September 2021, (TON): The UN human rights chief deplored the use of "excessive or entirely unwarranted" force by Israeli security forces on Palestinians as well as the Palestinian Authority's "crackdowns on dissent," in a verbal report at the 48th session of the Human Rights Council.

Michelle Bachelet, the UN high commissioner for human rights, said at the start of the session "in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, I deplore continued and increasing instances of excessive or entirely unwarranted use of force against Palestinian civilians by Israeli Security Forces."

She said that in 2021 so far, 54 Palestinians, including 12 children, have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank more than double of last year's figure.

Over 1,000 people have been injured with live ammunition. The regular resort to lethal force is clearly at odds with international standards.

Bachelet said "I am also deeply concerned by crackdowns on dissent by the Government of the State of Palestine in recent months.”

She also said that during protests that followed the "shocking killing" of activist Nizar Banat in June, Palestinian Security Forces used "unjustifiable force" against peaceful protesters.