UN Report: War Crimes by Israel, Hamas

A UN-backed commission has concluded that both Israeli forces and Hamas militants have committed war crimes since the October 7 attacks and the subsequent war in Gaza. The findings, released on June 12, 2024, detail extensive violations by both sides, as reported by the BBC.

www.bbc.com reported, The comprehensive report specifically highlights deliberate targeting of civilians, torture, and sexual violence as key abuses perpetrated by both Israeli and Palestinian armed groups. Reuters noted these violations represent grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, called for immediate accountability for these actions. According to The Guardian, the commission emphasized the urgent need for justice for all victims.

www.bbc.com noted, Established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021, the commission's mandate covers all alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. Al Jazeera reported that this broad scope allowed for a thorough investigation into the recent conflict.

The report's release intensifies international scrutiny on the conduct of all parties involved in the ongoing conflict. UN News stated that the findings underscore the devastating human cost and the urgent need for adherence to international legal norms.

www.bbc.com reported, Israel has vehemently rejected the report, calling it biased and anti-Israeli, according to The New York Times. Hamas also disputed findings regarding its actions, maintaining its operations were legitimate resistance against occupation.

These conclusions are expected to fuel further calls for investigations by international legal bodies, including the International Criminal Court. Associated Press analysts suggested the report could significantly impact global diplomatic efforts.

• www.bbc.com noted, The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021, was tasked with investigating all alleged violations of international law in the region. Its latest report, published on June 12, 2024, specifically covers events since the October 7, 2023, attacks and the subsequent military operations in Gaza, as detailed by the UN Human Rights Office.

• Against Israeli forces, the commission found evidence of war crimes including starvation as a method of warfare, collective punishment, deliberate targeting of civilians, and extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure. The report also cited instances of sexual violence, torture, and inhumane treatment, with some findings suggesting acts that could constitute crimes against humanity, according to analyses by Human Rights Watch.

• www.bbc.com reported, Regarding Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, the report documented war crimes including the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians during the October 7 attacks, widespread hostage-taking, and sexual violence. Reuters reported that the commission also found evidence of torture and inhumane treatment of Israeli civilians and soldiers.

• The findings are rooted in international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on civilians, hostage-taking, and torture. War crimes are defined under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court as grave breaches of these laws, emphasizing individual criminal responsibility, as explained by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

• www.bbc.com noted, Reactions to the report have been sharply divided. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs swiftly rejected the findings, accusing the commission of a "systematic anti-Israel bias." Hamas, while not directly addressing all allegations, generally dismissed accusations of war crimes, framing its actions as legitimate resistance, according to statements reported by Al Jazeera.

• The report's conclusions are expected to bolster ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable before international legal bodies. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is already conducting investigations into the situation in Palestine, and these findings could provide crucial evidence, potentially leading to arrest warrants, as discussed by legal experts cited in The New York Times.

• www.bbc.com reported, This is not the first time UN bodies have investigated alleged war crimes in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with previous reports often facing similar rejections from involved parties. The consistent pattern of such findings underscores a persistent challenge in ensuring accountability and justice in the region, a point frequently raised by Amnesty International.

• Looking ahead, the report places renewed pressure on the international community to ensure compliance with international law and protect civilians. Diplomats and human rights advocates are expected to leverage these findings to push for stronger international oversight and mechanisms for justice, according to analyses published by The Guardian.