UN-backed Commission Finds Israel and Palestinian Groups Committed War Crimes in Gaza Conflict
An inquiry by a United Nations-backed commission has found that both Israel and Palestinian groups have committed war crimes in the vicious war in Gaza. Twin reports released by the Commission of Inquiry (COI) accuse both sides of indiscriminate killings and sexual violence, with Israel also being accused of crimes against humanity. The reports, based on interviews with victims and witnesses, satellite imagery, medical reports, and open-source information, cover the period from the attack on southern Israel by Palestinian groups on October 7 to the end of 2023. Israel's actions are described in the report as committing acts of forced starvation, murder, collective punishment, intentional attacks on civilians, and more. The report highlights the immense numbers of civilian casualties in Gaza and the destruction of civilian objects, attributing it to a strategy that disregarded basic principles of proportionality and precautions. It details crimes against humanity including extermination, murder, persecution, and gender-based violence by Israeli security forces.The report on the actions of Palestinian groups, particularly Hamas and other armed groups, outlines deliberate killings, mistreatment of civilians, sexual and gender-based violence, and hostagetaking. The COI states that these actions constitute war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law, noting that children were specifically targeted for abduction.The COI chair, Navi Pillay, emphasizes the imperative for Israel to cease military operations and attacks in Gaza, while calling for Hamas and Palestinian armed groups to release hostages and stop rocket attacks. The commission stresses the importance of holding those who have committed crimes accountable.Israel, which refused to cooperate with the commission, swiftly condemned the report and accused the COI of anti-Israeli discrimination. The conflict between the Israeli government and international organizations, including the UN, has escalated, with Israel rejecting the findings and accusing the COI of pursuing a biased agenda against Israel.The reports come amidst ongoing tensions in the region and criticism of international bodies for alleged bias and anti-Semitism. The findings of the commission further fuel the debate on accountability and justice in the context of the Gaza conflict.
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