Hamas using 'children as cannon fodder' in Gaza: Haley

US Ambassador Nikki Haley lashed out at Hamas today, accusing the Palestinian movement of "using children as cannon fodder," following the deaths of dozens of people during protests in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces have killed 41 Palestinians, including two journalists, since the protests began on March 30 near the Gaza-Israeli border fence.

"Anyone who truly cares about children in Gaza should insist that Hamas immediately stop using children as cannon fodder in its conflict with Israel," Haley told a UN Security Council meeting.

Most of the Palestinians killed by Israel during the ongoing protests were shot by snipers on the border, while a few others were killed by Israeli artillery or air strikes.

The Israeli army says its troops only open fire in self-defense or to stop protesters attempting to breach the barrier separating the territory from Israel. Haley denounced the use of civilians as human shields throughout the Middle East in her remarks to the council as it met to discuss the situation in the region and the violence in Gaza.

"It's difficult to think of a more cowardly act -- even for a terrorist -- than hiding behind innocent civilians," she said.

The United Nations has called for an independent investigation of the violence in Gaza, where Israel has fought three wars since 2008.