UN: Israel may have repeatedly violated international law

Israel's massacres in the Gaza Strip are being documented by UN institutions. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has prepared an assessment report on 6 attacks carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians and widespread destruction. 

The report, which states that at least 218 people were killed in attacks carried out using heavy bombs between October 9 and December 2, 2023, targeting residences, a school, refugee camps, and a market, noted that "the requirement to select means and methods of warfare that avoid or minimize civilian harm appears to have been consistently violated in Israel's bombing campaigns."

"CIVILIANS WERE NOT DISTINGUISHED"

Reminding that civilian life and infrastructure are guaranteed under the rules of international humanitarian law, the report stated, "The methods and means selected by Israel in the conflict in Gaza since October 7, including the widespread use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas, have failed to ensure an effective distinction between civilians and combatants." 

The report, which mentions that Israel used explosives in many areas with the power to completely collapse high-rise buildings, stated that the use of an explosive weapon with such a wide-area effect would constitute a prohibited and indiscriminate attack.

"NO WARNING WAS GIVEN"

The report also pointed out that in 5 of the attacks, no warning was given to civilians, noting that the principle of "precaution" aimed at protecting civilians was violated.

The report stated, "The presence of multiple different military targets in an area does not turn an entire neighborhood into a military target. Because this violates the principle of proportionality and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks."

CALL TO ISRAEL

Stating that despite Israel's claims that it is investigating the incidents, no significant steps have been taken, the report said, "Although the IDF claims to have launched fact-finding investigations into most of the incidents examined in the report, 8 months have passed since the first of these extremely serious incidents occurred.

However, no clear explanation has been provided as to what happened, nor has any step been taken in terms of accountability."

The report called on Israel to impartially investigate the incidents in question, disclose detailed data to the public, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure the compensation rights of the victims.