COGAT calls on Red Cross to release findings on death of disabled Gaza activist

Maj. Gen Mordechai denied reports that claimed that Abu Thuraya died from live ammunition, saying that there was "no basis" for the rumors that soldiers "deliberately" killed him.

Hundreds attend funerals for Palestinians killed during protests in Gaza over Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, December 16, 2017. (Reuters)
Following reports that disabled activist Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh was killed by the IDF during protests near the Gaza border on December 16, Maj.-Gen Yoav Mordechai, coordinator of government activities in the territories, took to Facebook to dispel the allegations.
In a post on COGAT’s Arabic Facebook page, Mordechai called on the International Committee of the Red Cross to release its findings on Thurayeh’s death, in the hopes they would indicate the IDF was not responsible.
He denied reports on Palestinian social media that claimed Abu Thurayeh died from live ammunition, saying there was “no basis” for the rumors that soldiers “deliberately” killed him.
“Let us put an end to the rumor mill, the exaggerations and the series of lies that inflame discourse and incite more violence. There are too many questions and ambiguities surrounding Abu Thurayeh’s death,” Mordechai said, specifically addressing Jacques de Maio, the head of the ICRC in Israel and the territories.
In response, Hamas said that the Red Cross "won't be involved in the investigation" in a tweet on its English-language account, and charged that Abu Thuraya was killed by the IDF.

Abu Thurayeh lost both legs during Operation Cast Lead in 2008, and was known as a fierce protester in Gaza, despite his disability.