GENEVA, PowerNetizen.com – – The UN Human Rights Office released a report today documenting the severe hardships faced by civilians in Israel and Gaza since October 7, 2023, stressing the need for justice in addressing grave breaches of international law.
The report provides an in-depth analysis covering November 2023 to April 2024, highlighting civilian deaths and international law breaches, some potentially qualifying as war crimes. If these violations are part of a systematic attack on civilians as directed by state or organizational policy, they could be considered crimes against humanity. If done with the intent to destroy an ethnic, racial, or religious group, they may amount to genocide, the report warns.
The International Court of Justice has highlighted Israel’s obligations to prevent, protect against, and prosecute acts of genocide, according to the report.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law, especially given recent developments, including military operations in northern Gaza and legislative changes affecting UNRWA’s work.
Türk emphasized the importance of credible and impartial judicial processes to address these allegations, calling for the collection and preservation of evidence. He also urged states to support accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court, exercise universal jurisdiction where applicable, and comply with extradition requests for fair trials.
The report cites statements from Israeli officials suggesting the conflict’s end may depend on Gaza’s destruction and the displacement of its people, raising concerns about actions that rationalize discrimination and violence toward Palestinians.
Civilians, the report states, have suffered disproportionately, including through the initial “complete siege” imposed by Israeli forces, obstruction of humanitarian aid, destruction of infrastructure, and forced displacements. These actions have led to unprecedented levels of fatalities, injuries, and humanitarian crises. Palestinian armed groups have also likely caused civilian harm through their hostilities.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas and other groups committed widespread violations of international law, including attacks on civilians, hostage-taking, and the destruction of civilian property. These acts may also amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“The laws of war, established over 160 years, were meant to reduce human suffering during conflicts,” Türk stated, stressing the widespread disregard for these norms in the current conflict. He emphasized that the refusal to uphold universally accepted norms has intensified civilian suffering.
The UN Human Rights Office continues to verify the identities of civilians killed in Gaza due to ongoing attacks. Findings indicate that about 70% of the victims were women and children, suggesting systematic breaches of humanitarian principles, including the principles of distinction and proportionality.
The report underscores the urgency for member states to review arms sales and support provided to parties in the conflict to avoid enabling severe violations of international law.
Additionally, concerns were raised regarding forced transfers, attacks on medical facilities, journalists, and the alleged use of white phosphorus.
“This level of civilian casualties results from a failure to respect basic humanitarian principles,” Türk said. He stressed the need to end the violence, release hostages, and urgently deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The patterns of violations and international legal standards clarified by the International Court of Justice should guide efforts to end the ongoing crisis.
Written by : Budi Gunawan
