UN rights experts have condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, accusing it of violations of international law resulting in civilian suffering. They call for urgent investigations into alleged war crimes and emphasize the need for accountability amid the ongoing violence, which has led to significant casualties on both sides since the October 7 Hamas attack.
United Nations human rights experts issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in the ongoing Gaza conflict, claiming the state has repeatedly violated international laws meant to safeguard civilians. They emphasized that the laws of war are intended to protect those not directly engaged in hostilities, yet Israel is alleged to have inflicted significant suffering on the Palestinian population. Furthermore, the experts noted that Israel’s actions remain largely unchecked, largely due to the support provided by its international allies.
The conflict intensified following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which resulted in significant casualties on the Israeli side, with reports indicating over 1,200 deaths, primarily of civilians. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations have reportedly led to over 45,500 deaths in Gaza, predominantly among civilians, as per the health ministry data from the region. The UN experts highlighted various alleged violations, including crimes against humanity such as murder and torture, as well as war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks and collective punishment.
The rights specialists also raised concerns regarding the situation in northern Gaza, suggesting that Israel’s military operations serve to displace the local population with potential designs on annexation. They called for immediate and thorough investigations into these serious allegations against Israel, stressing the urgent need for accountability to prevent further human rights violations.
The group of experts, who operate independently under the UN, called attention to their findings while emphasizing the necessity of upholding international humanitarian law. Among them is Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on Palestinian rights, who Israel has accused of bias against the state.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been marked by cycles of violence and military operations. The recent escalation began after an unexpected attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023, which consequently prompted a large-scale military response from Israel targeting Gaza. Amid the violence, a significant number of civilian casualties have emerged, leading to international scrutiny and allegations of human rights violations on both sides. The roles of international law and the protection of civilian populations have come into sharper focus as the conflict escalates, leading to calls from various human rights advocates and organizations for accountability and adherence to established human rights standards.
In conclusion, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated significantly, attracting condemnation from United Nations experts concerning Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The experts assert that Israel has not only violated international humanitarian laws but has also faced no substantial consequences due to the support from its allies. There are urgent calls for accountability, rigorous investigations, and a reinforcement of the need for protection of civilian lives in conflict situations.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
