The Israeli army says it will investigate the death of Palestinian activist, Mustafa Tamimi, whose death has sparked renewed concerns over Israel's use of military force.
The 28-year-old died at the weekend after being struck in the face by a tear-gas canister during a protest.
Israel's Defense Force called the death an “exceptional incident” and said in a statement that its soldiers were responding to an “illegal and violent riot” in which Tamimi and several hundred Palestinians were throwing rocks.
But human rights groups have questioned whether the army is following the proper rules of engagement.
“The main problem we identified with the use of these weapons is that very often there is a very common practise of using them unlawfully,” said Sarit Michaeli, who works for Israeli human rights group B'tselem.
“Primarily shooting tear-gas canisters directly at protesters, directly at people in a way that violates the army's own regulations.”
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