independent.co.uk
UN Report Condemns High Civilian Death Toll in Gaza
A UN report details the high number of Palestinian civilian deaths in Gaza, particularly women and children, accusing Israel of violating international humanitarian law. Israel rejects the report.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsMiddle EastIsraelConflictGazaPalestineHumanitarian
Un Human Rights Office (Ohchr)HamasIsraelUnrwaPalestinian Health Authorities
Volker Turk
- How does Israel respond to the UN's findings and accusations?
- Israel rejects the UN report, asserting that it inaccurately reflects the situation and disregards Hamas' role in causing civilian harm. Israel maintains that it targets Hamas and takes measures to minimize civilian casualties.
- What are some of the most striking details about the victims highlighted in the report?
- The report highlights the disproportionate impact of the conflict on women and children, with the youngest victim being a one-day-old boy and the oldest a 97-year-old woman. The UN calls for accountability for violations of international law.
- What is the UN's verified death toll in Gaza, and what percentage are women and children?
- The UN verified 8,119 Palestinian deaths in Gaza during the first seven months of the war, with women and children accounting for nearly 70%. This is lower than the Palestinian health authority's reported 43,000, but supports their claim that a high proportion of victims are women and children.
- What is the UN's assessment of Israel's actions in relation to international humanitarian law?
- The UN's Volker Turk stated that the high civilian death toll demonstrates an apparent indifference to civilian lives and a failure to comply with international humanitarian law, specifically the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack.
- Where did the majority of verified deaths occur, and what factors contributed to the high casualty rates per attack?
- The UN report indicates that 80% of verified deaths occurred in residential areas, primarily due to the use of powerful weapons in densely populated areas by Israel. The report also notes the high number of casualties per attack, often five or more.