UN human rights experts have called for Israel to be held accountable for its actions in Gaza, asserting that the country's military campaign in the region has inflicted "maximum suffering" on Palestinian civilians. In a joint statement released on December 30, 2024, the experts argued that Israel has repeatedly violated international law, particularly international humanitarian law, by targeting civilian populations and infrastructure, despite being protected from real consequences by its international allies.
The Gaza conflict, which escalated after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, has led to catastrophic loss of life in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, over 45,500 people, the majority of whom are civilians, have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign. The UN experts, citing these figures, condemned what they described as crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement. They also pointed to alleged war crimes, such as indiscriminate attacks on civilians, the use of starvation as a weapon of war, and collective punishment.
The experts emphasized that civilians, who are protected under international law, were not legitimate military targets, and any acts aimed at their destruction amounted to genocide. They called for urgent, independent investigations into the alleged violations, highlighting the particularly troubling situation in northern Gaza, where Israeli operations have focused since October. The experts warned that the actions could be part of a larger strategy to permanently displace Gaza's population in preparation for its annexation.
The UN experts, who include specialists on displaced persons, cultural rights, education, and counterterrorism, have criticized Israel's continued impunity in the face of these violations. They argued that this lack of accountability sends a dangerous message to the international community. While the UN experts are independent and do not represent the official stance of the United Nations, their call for accountability has amplified concerns about Israel's conduct in Gaza and its broader implications for international law.
