In the wake of the 7 October conflict, United Nations investigators have accused both Israeli and Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, of committing war crimes. Navi Pillay, who chairs the UN commission of inquiry, emphasized the necessity of holding accountable all parties responsible for these atrocities.
The commission discovered that during the attack, not only did military wings of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups commit war crimes, but also Palestinian civilians engaged in acts violating international humanitarian law.
On the Israeli side, the United Nations expressed deep shock at the humanitarian impact of the country's hostage release operation. Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, noted that actions by both sides could be classified as war crimes, though final judgment would rest with the courts.
Laurence highlighted major concerns about the Israeli forces' adherence to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution during their operations in densely populated areas. The conduct of raids in such locations has raised serious questions about compliance with the laws of war.
Additionally, the UN is deeply troubled by the continued detention of numerous hostages by Palestinian armed groups, most notably civilians. This practice not only violates international humanitarian law but also endangers the lives of both hostages and Palestinian civilians due to the ongoing hostilities in the region.
The Israeli military recently announced the successful rescue of four hostages from Palestinian groups who had captured them during the 7 October attacks. However, these operations have resulted in significant casualties and injuries among Palestinians. According to figures provided by Hamas - considered mostly reliable by the UN - 274 people were killed and 698 injured during one such mission.
Hamas has also reported that more than 37,100 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, have died due to Israeli bombings and military actions since the conflict began. These statistics underscore the severe humanitarian toll on the Gaza Strip.
Official Israeli figures corroborate that the initial attack on 7 October resulted in 1,194 Israeli deaths, mainly civilians, with 251 hostages taken. From this group, 116 remain detained in Gaza, with 41 confirmed dead.
- The conflict has drawn widespread international attention, with numerous calls for humanitarian interventions. Both sides face intense scrutiny from global observers and human rights organizations.
- The ongoing violence and its heavy civilian toll have sparked discussions about the effectiveness and ethics of military operations in densely populated regions.
- The situation remains volatile, with humanitarian agencies urging both parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian laws.
