The European Union called for a swift investigation into the killing of Palestinian teenager, Fulla Masalmeh who was to celebrate her 15th birthday yesterday, but was tragically killed by gunfire from Israeli soldiers near Ramallah one day earlier.

“Israel, as party of the CRC, must ensure the rights of children, including ensuring their protection, care and dignity – and right to life. This incident should be swiftly investigated and accountability ensured,” it said.

In 2022, so far 32 children have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank, in many instances through what appears to be excessive use of lethal force, said the statement.

The EU expressed its deepest condolences to the family of the Palestinian teenager.

The Palestinian Health Ministry mourned the girl’s death: “She was due to turn 16 on her birthday tomorrow. She was killed when occupation soldiers fired at her during a raid on Beitunia,” it said in a statement on Monday.