The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has revealed that nearly 70% of verified casualties in Gaza’s ongoing conflict are women and children. Out of the 10,000 verified deaths, 4,700 were children and 2,461 were women, according to the UN. This figure represents a staggering impact on Gaza’s civilian population.
War Crimes and Atrocity Crimes Alleged
The report, released Friday, criticized both sides of the conflict. It condemned Israel for what it described as unprecedented harm to civilians, including mass displacement, starvation, and infrastructure destruction. On the other hand, Hamas was accused of hostage-taking, killings, and sexual violence.
The UN warned that many actions could amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, or even genocide, urging international accountability.
Israel Rejects UN Findings
Israel’s mission to the UN dismissed the report, accusing the OHCHR of bias. A statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they adhere to principles of distinction and proportionality, aiming to minimize civilian harm.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN rights office in Palestinian territories, described Gaza as a “dystopia of destruction.” With humanitarian aid restricted and infrastructure in ruins, the situation remains dire for survivors.
Urgent Call for Accountability
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called for immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. He urged global leaders to prioritize humanitarian aid and ensure that allegations of serious violations are addressed through impartial judicial bodies.
