United Nations experts assert that Israel must be held accountable for alleged violations of international law in the Gaza conflict, claiming it has inflicted severe suffering on civilians. They call for immediate investigations into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity following significant casualties from military operations. The experts emphasize the urgent need for accountability to uphold international humanitarian obligations.
GENEVA: United Nations rights experts have asserted that Israel must be held accountable for its actions in Gaza, alleging that the nation has consistently violated international law and inflicted severe suffering on Palestinian civilians. The group of eleven experts stated in a joint declaration that international humanitarian law is designed to safeguard civilians and restrict the means of warfare. Instead, they claim that Israel has repeatedly disregarded these laws, resulting in grave humanitarian crises in the occupied Palestinian territories. Despite the documented casualties—over 45,500 individuals reported to have died in Gaza—the experts noted that Israel faces little to no repercussions, largely due to the support of its allies. Allegations of crimes against humanity include acts of murder, torture, and forced displacement, alongside war crimes such as attacks on civilians and utilizing starvation as a tactic in warfare. They emphasized that such actions could amount to genocidal measures, calling for immediate and comprehensive investigations into these serious breaches of international law.
This article pertains to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, particularly focusing on the recent escalation of military actions following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. The United Nations has raised significant concerns regarding the humanitarian impact of these operations, particularly the heavy toll on civilians in Gaza. The UN rights experts, who operate independently from the organization, express alarm over Israel’s strategy and its implications for the civilian population. Their comments reflect a broader discourse on accountability and the protection of human rights in conflict zones.
In conclusion, the United Nations rights experts urge accountability for Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need for adherence to international humanitarian law. With grave allegations of crimes against humanity and war crimes being levied against Israel, the experts highlight the urgency for independent investigations. Their statements underscore the perilous situation faced by civilians in Gaza and the moral imperative for the international community to respond appropriately.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
