UN accuses Israeli Occupation of 'extermination' crimes in Gaza

Palestine

Published: 2024-06-12 14:13

Last Updated: 2024-07-14 14:01


UN accuses Israeli Occupation of "extermination” crimes in Gaza
UN accuses Israeli Occupation of "extermination” crimes in Gaza

A recent report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israeli Occupation has accused the occupation of committing war crimes, including "extermination," in Gaza.

The report also found Palestinian groups guilty of war crimes, particularly related to taking captives.


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The commission revealed that the period between October 7 and December 31 witnessed a ferocious Israeli Occupation military campaign on the Gaza Strip, resulting in a death toll exceeding 37,000 people.

The commission listed various war crimes “Israel” was accused of committing, including extermination, gender persecution, murder, forcible transfer, torture, and inhuman treatment. It also highlighted the Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) use of tactics such as public stripping and nudity to humiliate Palestinians.

Navi Pillay, the chair of the commission, emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for crimes to account and urged strict adherence to international law to break the cycle of violence.

“Israel” was urged to halt military operations immediately, including the assault on Rafah, while Palestinian resistance groups were called upon to cease rocket attacks and release all hostages, deemed as war crimes.

“Israel”, however, dismissed the report, accusing the commission of bias against “Israel” and obstructing its work. Meirav Eilon Shahar, “Israel's” ambassador to the UN in Geneva, criticized the commission's actions, alleging a political agenda against the occupation.

The report also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning of a high risk of famine due to aid blockades and infrastructure destruction. Rights groups highlighted the urgent need for reopening border crossings and ensuring unimpeded access for aid delivery.


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Martin Griffiths, the UN relief chief, stressed the difficulty in delivering aid to Gaza and called for immediate action to reopen border crossings. Palestinian NGOs declared Gaza as a "famine-stricken zone," attributing the situation to “Israeli” bombardment and aid restrictions.

Salama Marouf, head of Gaza’s media office, reiterated the threat of famine in northern Gaza due to aid restrictions, noting that relief efforts fall short of meeting minimum needs.