A UN inquiry asserted on Wednesday that both Israel and Hamas engaged in war crimes during the initial stages of the Gaza conflict. The inquiry accused Israel of committing crimes against humanity due to significant civilian casualties, including acts described as “extermination.”
The findings emerged from two separate reports by independent experts commissioned by the UN, one examining Hamas’ October 7 assault on Israel and the other focusing on Israel’s military response. The UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) holds a broad mandate to gather evidence and identify those responsible for alleged international crimes in Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Regarding Israel, the commission alleged there was a systematic or widespread attack targeting Gaza’s civilian population. It specified that crimes against humanity including extermination, murder, gender-based persecution against Palestinian men and boys, forcible transfer, and torture were committed.
Israel vehemently rejected these allegations, accusing the commission of inherent bias.
The report details allegations of sexual and gender-based violence during the Israel-Hamas conflict. It mentions incidents where Israeli forces publicly stripped terror suspects in Gaza, which Israel justified as necessary for security but criticized the publication of images. Palestinians were also reportedly humiliated through public strip-searches. The commission noted a pattern of sexual violence by Palestinian groups but couldn’t independently verify reports of rape.
The UN’s Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Pramila Patten, reported findings suggesting rape occurred during Hamas attacks and documented evidence of sexual abuse against hostages in Gaza. Israel’s response condemned the report, accusing it of bias and equating IDF actions with Hamas terrorism.
Additionally, the commission accused Israel of war crimes such as using starvation as a method of warfare and failing to provide essential supplies to Gaza. Israel vehemently denied these accusations, emphasizing its adherence to international law and accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields.
The report also criticized Israeli actions in the West Bank, alleging sexual violence, torture, and inhumane treatment, while accusing Israeli authorities of fostering settler violence against Palestinians.
Hamas was accused of atrocities including mass killings, sexual violence, and using civilians as shields during attacks on Israeli communities. The report highlighted incidents of brutal violence and exploitation of women and children for propaganda purposes.
Israel refused to cooperate with the UN commission, claiming bias and asserting its commitment to the rule of law despite the ongoing conflict and accusations of misconduct.
The report is set to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council, potentially influencing future accountability measures and international legal actions.
