The Great March of Return began on March 30, 2018—Palestinian Land Day and the 42nd anniversary of mass protests against Israeli land confiscation. Organized by independent activists, the protests were conceived as peaceful demonstrations to draw international attention to Gaza's humanitarian crisis, the blockade, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. Five designated protest sites were established along Gaza's eastern border, several hundred meters from the separation fence. The protests were intended to last from Land Day (March 30) through Nakba Day (May 15), but continued for 21 months until Hamas announced their end on December 27, 2019.
Israel's response was immediate and lethal. Israeli Defense Forces deployed snipers along the fence with rules of engagement permitting use of live ammunition against protesters. On the opening day, March 30, 2018, Israeli forces killed 18 Palestinians and shot over 700 with live ammunition. The bloodiest day came on May 14, 2018—the day the US Embassy officially opened in Jerusalem—when Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians and shot over 1,100. By December 31, 2018, Israeli snipers had shot 6,106 Palestinians with live ammunition, killing 183 during official protest days. Thirty-five were children, three were clearly marked paramedics, and two were clearly marked journalists. Another 3,098 Palestinians were injured by bullet fragmentation, rubber-coated metal bullets, or tear gas canisters.
The UN Commission of Inquiry investigated every killing at the designated demonstration sites on official protest days between March 30 and December 31, 2018. Commissioners reviewed video evidence, medical records, ballistics reports, and conducted extensive interviews. Their finding was damning: with the exception of two incidents, the Commission found reasonable grounds to believe the use of live ammunition was unlawful. The victims 'were neither participating directly in hostilities nor posing an imminent threat' when shot. Commissioner Sara Hossain stated: 'There can be no justification for killing and injuring journalists, medics, and persons who were clearly not posing an imminent threat of death or serious injury.' The Commission concluded the pattern of violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. Notable victims included 21-year-old paramedic Razan al-Najjar, shot and killed while treating wounded protesters despite wearing a clearly marked white medical vest, and journalist Yaser Murtaja, shot dead while wearing press insignia. By the time protests ended in December 2019, 223 Palestinians had been killed and 28,939 injured. At least 122 Palestinians required limb amputations including 20 children. Israel has conducted no meaningful investigations, with all but a handful of cases closed without indictment.
Palestinians Killed 223
UN Commission: 189 killed March-December 2018; B'Tselem total through 2019: 223 including 41 children, 3 medics, 2 journalists
Child Fatalities 41 children
Ages 8 to 17. Youngest: Leila al-Ghandour (8 months, tear gas exposure); Oldest child victim: 17 years
Medical Personnel Killed 3 paramedics
Razan al-Najjar (21, female paramedic, June 1, 2018); Musa Jaber Abu Hassanein (36, May 14); Abdullah al-Qutati (20, July 20)
Journalists Killed 2 journalists
Yaser Murtaja (30, shot April 6, 2018 wearing PRESS vest); Ahmad Abu Hussein (25, shot April 13, died April 25)
Total Palestinians Injured 28939
6,106 by live ammunition; 3,098 by bullet fragmentation; rubber bullets, tear gas canisters account for remainder
Deadliest Day - May 14, 2018 60 killed
Day US Embassy opened in Jerusalem. 60 Palestinians killed, over 1,100 shot with live fire. UN called it 'bloodbath.'
Limb Amputations Required 122 amputations
At least 122 Palestinians required amputations due to severe lower-limb injuries. 20 were children. Many more at risk.
Unlawful Killings (UN Finding) 187 of 189
UN Commission found 'reasonable grounds to believe' 187 of 189 investigated killings were unlawful under international law
Medical Personnel Wounded 441 medics
Including 3 killed; targeted despite clear identification with white vests marked with red crescent/cross
Journalists Injured 144 journalists
Including 2 killed. Many clearly wearing PRESS identification when shot
Israeli Casualties 0
Zero Israeli soldiers or civilians killed or injured by protesters during entire 21-month period
Santiago Canton
“In presenting final report February 2019: 'The Commission found reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli snipers shot at journalists, health workers, children and persons with disabilities, knowing they were clearly recognizable as such...Israeli soldiers killed and gravely injured civilians who were neither participating directly in hostilities nor posing an imminent threat...Some of these violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.'”
Sara Hossain
“Commissioner statement: 'There can be no justification for the killing and maiming of clearly identifiable journalists, medics, and persons who were clearly not posing an imminent threat of death or serious injury. The Commission found that Israeli security forces killed and gravely injured protestors who did not pose an imminent threat of death or serious injury to others when they were shot.'”
Rawan al-Najjar (Razan's mother)
“After daughter Razan shot June 1, 2018: 'She was doing her job, saving lives. She had her hands up, showing she was a medic. They shot her anyway. My daughter died helping others. How can they say she was a threat? She was wearing white, she had the medical symbol, everyone could see she was a paramedic.' Razan's last words: 'I'm going to die.'”
Dr. Tarek Loubani
“Physician shot in legs while treating wounded, wearing clearly marked medical vest: 'I have worked in conflict zones around the world. I have never seen this level of deliberate targeting of medical personnel. We were clearly marked, everyone could see we were doctors and paramedics. They shot us anyway. The injuries I saw—legs blown apart, bones shattered—these were designed to maim for life.'”
Yaser Murtaja (before death)
“In interview days before being shot dead: 'I film the protests to show the world what is happening here. We wear PRESS vests so the Israeli soldiers know we are journalists. We are not fighters, we are documenting.' Shot in abdomen while wearing clearly marked press vest. Died of wounds. Video shows him clearly identified as press when shot.”
Ban Ki-moon
“May 2018 statement: 'The scenes from Gaza are heartbreaking. The use of live ammunition against unarmed protesters is unacceptable...Israel has a responsibility to exercise maximum restraint and ensure the protection of civilians. The killing and wounding of thousands of Palestinian demonstrators must be urgently investigated.'”
Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein
“March 30, 2018 statement after first day: 'The stark contrast in casualties on both sides is suggestive of a wholly disproportionate response. The mere fact of approaching or crossing a border fence cannot amount to a threat to life or serious injury justifying the use of live ammunition...The use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters clearly violates international human rights law.'”
World Health Organization
“Special report on limb injuries: 'The injuries sustained by patients are of a severity not seen before...The bones and soft tissue are pulverized, creating massive wounds...Many patients face multiple surgeries and some will require amputations. This pattern of injuries is unprecedented and extremely concerning, suggesting systematic targeting of lower limbs.'”
Physicians for Human Rights - Israel
“After investigation: 'The use of live fire against medical staff...constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Medical personnel are protected persons under the Geneva Conventions...The Israeli military's actions endanger medical teams and deprive the wounded of life-saving treatment. We call for immediate end to attacks on medical personnel.'”
Breaking the Silence (Israeli soldiers)
“Anonymous soldier testimony about orders: 'We were told anyone who approaches the fence is a target. It didn't matter if they were armed or not, if they were kids or medics or press. The orders were clear: shoot to injure, aim for the legs. They wanted to send a message. We shot thousands of people who posed no threat to us. Some of my fellow soldiers celebrated their kill counts.'”
Unlawful Killings - 187 of 189 Cases
UN Commission investigated every killing at designated protest sites on official protest days (Mar 30-Dec 31, 2018). Found 'reasonable grounds to believe' 187 of 189 killings were unlawful under international law. Victims 'neither participating directly in hostilities nor posing imminent threat to life' when shot. Intentional lethal force against civilians not posing imminent threat constitutes willful killing—war crime under Geneva Conventions.
Targeting of Medical Personnel
Three paramedics killed (Razan al-Najjar, Musa Abu Hassanein, Abdullah al-Qutati), 441 wounded despite clear identification with white medical vests marked with red crescent/cross. All were providing medical care and posed no threat. Intentional attacks on medical personnel are grave breaches of Geneva Conventions. UN: 'no justification' for these killings.
Killing and Wounding of Journalists
Two journalists killed (Yaser Murtaja, Ahmad Abu Hussein), 144 injured. Both killed journalists clearly wearing PRESS identification. Committee to Protect Journalists: 'Deliberately targeting journalists is a war crime.' Targeting clearly identified journalists violates IHL protections for civilians not taking part in hostilities.
Killing of 41 Children
41 children (ages 8 months to 17 years) killed. UN Commission found in vast majority of cases, children posed no imminent threat when shot. Leila al-Ghandour (8 months) died from tear gas exposure. Others shot with live ammunition. Willful killing of protected persons (children) is grave breach of Fourth Geneva Convention.
Deliberate Targeting of Lower Limbs
Pattern of intentional shooting at lower limbs documented—6,106 shot with live fire, majority in legs. WHO documented 'unprecedented' limb injuries requiring 122+ amputations (20 children). Physicians for Human Rights: bullets 'designed to cause maximum tissue and bone damage.' Intentionally causing severe injury amounting to torture or cruel treatment—potential war crime.
Excessive and Indiscriminate Use of Force
May 14, 2018: 60 killed, 1,100+ shot in single day. No Israeli casualties throughout entire 21-month period demonstrates force was not in response to imminent threat. UN: Use of lethal force was 'disproportionate' and 'not strictly necessary.' Indiscriminate firing into crowds of civilians violates fundamental IHL principles.
Unlawful Rules of Engagement
Israeli military rules of engagement authorized snipers to use live ammunition against protesters not posing imminent threat. Rules permitted shooting persons approaching fence, damaging it, or setting tires alight—none constitute imminent threat to life. Rules of engagement that authorize unlawful killings may constitute superior orders to commit war crimes.
Possible Crimes Against Humanity
UN Commission: Given pattern, scale, and systematic nature of violations—223 killed, 28,939 injured over 21 months—violations may constitute crimes against humanity. Elements include: widespread or systematic attack against civilian population, knowledge of attack, and underlying acts (murder, torture). Commission recommended ICC investigation.
Use of Force - International Human Rights Law
<strong>Right to Life (ICCPR Article 6):</strong> Intentional use of lethal force only permissible when 'strictly necessary' to protect life from imminent threat. UN found in 187 of 189 cases, victims posed no such threat—violations of right to life.
International Humanitarian Law - Fourth Geneva Convention
<strong>Article 27 (Protected Persons):</strong> Civilians 'shall be treated humanely...protected against all acts of violence.' Shooting civilians not posing imminent threat violates this core protection.
UN Commission of Inquiry Findings (February 2019)
<strong>Unlawful Killings:</strong> '187 of 189' killings investigated found unlawful. Victims 'neither participating directly in hostilities nor posing imminent threat of death or serious injury.'
Specific Protections Violated
<strong>Medical Personnel:</strong> Hague Convention IV (1907) and Geneva Conventions mandate protection of medical personnel. Shooting 3 clearly marked paramedics and wounding 441 medical workers violates this absolute protection.
Use of Force - International Human Rights Law
<strong>Basic Principles on Use of Force (UN 1990):</strong> 'Intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life.' Commission found force was not unavoidable; no Israeli casualties demonstrate absence of threat.
International Humanitarian Law - Fourth Geneva Convention
<strong>Article 147 (Grave Breaches):</strong> 'Wilful killing...torture...wilfully causing great suffering or serious injury' are grave breaches. 223 killings, 28,939 injuries, 122+ amputations meet this threshold.
UN Commission of Inquiry Findings (February 2019)
<strong>War Crimes:</strong> Commission found 'reasonable grounds to believe' Israeli forces committed violations amounting to war crimes, including willful killing and torture/cruel treatment.
Specific Protections Violated
<strong>Journalists:</strong> Additional Protocol I Article 79 affords journalists protection as civilians. Intentional targeting of 2 clearly marked journalists constitutes war crime.
Use of Force - International Human Rights Law
<strong>Arbitrary Deprivation of Life:</strong> Willful killings without legal justification constitute arbitrary deprivation of life. UN Human Rights Committee: States must investigate all killings by security forces.
International Humanitarian Law - Fourth Geneva Convention
<strong>Protected Categories:</strong> Geneva Conventions specifically protect medical personnel (Article 20) and journalists as civilians. Killing 3 medics and 2 journalists are grave breaches.
UN Commission of Inquiry Findings (February 2019)
<strong>Crimes Against Humanity:</strong> Given widespread and systematic nature of attack against civilian population, Commission found violations may constitute crimes against humanity.
Specific Protections Violated
<strong>Distinction Principle:</strong> Fundamental IHL principle requires distinction between combatants and civilians. Shooting unarmed civilians, children, medics, journalists violates this bedrock principle.
Use of Force - International Human Rights Law
<strong>Prohibition of Torture:</strong> Intentional shooting to cause severe limb injuries (122+ amputations) may constitute torture or cruel, inhuman treatment prohibited under ICCPR Article 7 and Convention Against Torture.
International Humanitarian Law - Fourth Geneva Convention
<strong>Children:</strong> Fourth Geneva Convention Article 24 and Additional Protocol I Article 77 provide special protection for children. Killing 41 children violates these protections.
UN Commission of Inquiry Findings (February 2019)
<strong>Command Responsibility:</strong> Violations resulted from policy decisions at highest levels. Rules of engagement approved by senior military and political leadership may establish command responsibility for war crimes.
Specific Protections Violated
<strong>Proportionality:</strong> Even if some individuals posed threat, killing 60 in single day (May 14) with zero Israeli casualties demonstrates grossly disproportionate response.
Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of Israel (2009-2021)
Approved military response to protests including rules of engagement permitting lethal force. Defended killings: 'Hamas sends thousands to breach border and murder Israelis. We will defend our border.' Rejected UN Commission findings.
Avigdor Lieberman Defense Minister (2016-2018)
Oversaw military operations during protests. Stated April 2018: 'There are no innocents in Gaza.' Approved rules of engagement. Praised soldiers: 'Everyone who was shot—was shot because he deserved it.' Resigned November 2018 over ceasefire with Hamas.
Gadi Eisenkot IDF Chief of General Staff (2015-2019)
Top military commander during protests. Responsible for operational decisions and rules of engagement. Defended use of live fire. Later admitted in testimony some soldiers may have violated rules but maintained overall response appropriate.
Ismail Haniyeh Hamas Political Bureau Head (2017-present)
Hamas political leader. Supported protests but did not organize them initially. Later Hamas took more active organizational role. Called for continued protests despite casualties. Rejected criticism that Hamas used civilians as shields.
Ahmed Abu Artema Journalist; protest organizer
Independent Palestinian journalist who conceived and helped organize Great March of Return. Advocated for non-violent approach. Vision was peaceful protest to draw attention to blockade and right of return. Has stated protests succeeded in raising awareness despite tragic casualties.
Razan al-Najjar Paramedic (victim)
21-year-old volunteer paramedic killed June 1, 2018 while treating wounded. Became symbol of Israeli targeting of medical personnel. Her killing documented by video; she was clearly marked as medic with hands raised when shot.
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
223 Palestinians killed, 28,939 injured over 21 months of largely peaceful protests
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Total impunity: Zero meaningful prosecutions despite UN findings of systematic violations
Accountability Status
✗ No Israeli officials or soldiers prosecuted for killings despite UN findings
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
Zero Israeli casualties—stark demonstration that protesters posed no actual threat
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Established precedent: Israel could kill protesters with impunity; international community would do nothing
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for May 14 massacre (60 killed in single day)
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
UN Commission found 187 of 189 investigated killings unlawful; violations may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
ICC investigation (opened 2021) includes Great March of Return but no charges filed as of 2025
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for killing of Razan al-Najjar and two other medics
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
International attention focused on Gaza humanitarian crisis and blockade, though no policy changes resulted
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Victims continue suffering: hundreds with permanent disabilities, psychological trauma, lost livelihoods
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for killing of Yaser Murtaja, Ahmad Abu Hussein (journalists)
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
122+ Palestinians required limb amputations; 20 were children—generation maimed for life
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Gaza blockade continued unabated; none of protests' stated objectives achieved
Accountability Status
✗ No accountability for 41 children killed
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
Razan al-Najjar became international symbol of Israeli targeting of medical personnel
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
International law credibility damaged: UN findings completely ignored by Israel and not enforced
Accountability Status
✗ Israeli military investigations: hundreds of cases opened, vast majority closed without indictment
Immediate Impact (2018-2019)
Protests demonstrated Palestinian determination to pursue rights despite lethal response
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Protests entered Palestinian collective memory alongside Nakba, Naksa, Intifadas as symbol of resistance
Accountability Status
✗ Only handful of cases resulted in minor charges unrelated to killings
Long-term Consequences (2019-Present)
Medical community horrified by targeting of clearly marked health workers—unprecedented in modern conflicts
Accountability Status
✓ UN Commission comprehensively documented violations
Accountability Status
✓ UN Human Rights Council endorsed Commission findings (23-8-16 vote)
Accountability Status
✓ ICC has jurisdiction; investigation ongoing but slow
Accountability Status
✓ Palestinian lawyers submitted extensive evidence to ICC
Accountability Status
✓ International human rights organizations (HRW, Amnesty, PHR) continue advocacy for accountability