PowerNetizen.com – The UN Human Rights Office reported Friday that nearly 70% of deaths in Gaza over the past year have been women and children, citing significant civilian casualties during Israel’s conflict with Hamas. Covering November 2023 to April 2024, the report emphasizes the disproportionate impact on civilians in Gaza.
According to local health authorities, more than 44,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the conflict began, though figures do not separate combatants from civilians. The UN analysis noted that the high percentage of women and children among the deceased suggests “systematic violations” of international humanitarian principles, including the rules of distinction and proportionality.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for accountability and urged states to adhere to international laws, including those enforced by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which seeks arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials. However, the report also addressed the October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas militants in southern Israel, where approximately 1,200 Israelis were killed, and another 250 were taken hostage—about 100 of whom are still held in Gaza. Despite ongoing efforts, a ceasefire and a negotiated release of hostages remain elusive.
Türk emphasized that the rules of war aim to reduce civilian suffering in conflicts, stating, “Their widespread disregard has led to extreme human suffering,” and he criticized both parties for neglecting universally binding humanitarian standards.
While the report stopped short of labeling Israel’s actions as definitive war crimes, it noted that certain actions could meet that threshold if they are part of a broader, intentional assault on civilians. It also warned that if violence is directed at a specific ethnic or racial group, it might constitute genocide.
The report identified three primary groups of children affected by the conflict: those aged 0-4, 5-9, and 10-14. It found that roughly 80% of Gaza’s fatalities occurred in residential areas, attributing these high numbers to widespread attacks in densely populated zones.
While it acknowledged that Hamas has used civilians as shields, the UN said it could not confirm Israel’s assertions that militants were using schools and hospitals as cover.
The report also raised concerns about additional Israeli tactics, such as the use of AI for targeting, restrictions on journalists and medical personnel, attacks on cultural and religious sites, forced displacement, use of white phosphorus, communication blackouts, and restricted humanitarian aid.
Türk concluded, “This unprecedented level of civilian death and suffering directly results from non-compliance with fundamental principles of international humanitarian law,” and lamented that these violations have continued for over a year.
Written by : Budi Gunawan
