By Lubaba Thukan  

RAMALLAH, Palestine

Israeli forces have martyred 18 Palestinian children since the start of this year, according to a human rights group.  

In a statement on Tuesday, the Defence for Children International said 12 children have been martyred by Israeli gunfire since March 30, when Palestinians staged protests in the run-up to the Nakba anniversary -- a term used by Palestinians to refer to the mass eviction of thousands of their fellows from their homes to make way for the state of Israel.  

On Monday, at least 60 Palestinians were martyred and hundreds injured during rallies commemorating the anniversary and protests against the relocation of the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  

According to the Geneva-based NGO, six children were among those killed by Israeli gunfire during Monday’s protests.   

The NGO said 14 children were martyred by live ammunition used by Israeli forces.  

The deaths, the group said, affirm that Israeli forces are using “deadly force” against Palestinians, including children “who do not pose any direct threat to forces”.  

Last week, the Israeli government said the ongoing border protests constituted a "state of war" in which it said international humanitarian law did not apply.