A United Nations-backed staff of human rights experts accused Israel of using physical, sexual, and gender-based murder in its military strategy against Hamas in Gaza, reported media company Associated Press.
The document, released on Thursday, is among the most extensive investigations into such claims since the battle began on October 7, 2023. Israel has clearly rejected the says, calling the UN system biased.
The report papers breaches allegedly committed by Israeli security forces against Arab men, women, and children. The results could be used as evidence in global constitutional cases, including at the International Criminal Court.
According to the committee, Israeli troops carried out attacks on hospitals, health services, and human areas, overwhelmingly affecting women and children. It also accused Israeli officials of confining Palestinian detainees to sexual assault and destroying sexual care services.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the Human Rights Council an “anti-Israel rodeo” that supports violence. Israel’s UN mission in Geneva even rejected the results, arguing that the committee relied on second-hand and unsubstantiated options. Since the agency’s development in 2021, Israel has refused to cooperate with its studies, citing discrimination.
Hamas, in response to the report, urged international authorities to prosecute Jewish officials. The International Criminal Court has previously issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other leading Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes. The court has also issued a subpoena for Hamas ‘ defense chief, who was later confirmed killed.
The conflict in Gaza began after Hamas-led insurgents attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1, 200 people, mostly citizens, and taking 251 victims.
