UN rights experts warn Israel's actions in Gaza 'resulting in crimes against humanity'
'There is also risk of genocide against Palestinian people,' says experts
Relatives mourn during the funeral ceremony for Palestinians who lost their lives in Israeli attack on Church of Saint Porphyrius in Gaza City, Gaza, on October 20, 2023.
GENEVA
UN rights experts have sounded alarm by saying there is an "ongoing campaign by Israel resulting in crimes against humanity in Gaza."
"Considering statements made by Israeli political leaders and their allies, accompanied by military action in Gaza and escalation of arrests and killing in the West Bank, there is also a risk of genocide against the Palestinian people," experts warned in a statement Thursday.
"There are no justifications or exceptions for such crimes," they said. "We are appalled by the inaction of the international community in the face of belligerent war-mongering."
Describing the recent deadly airstrike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in northern Gaza, which killed hundreds and injured many others as "an atrocity," the experts said they are equally outraged by the deadly strike on a UNRWA school in the Al Maghazi refugee camp that sheltered 4,000 displaced people, as well as two densely populated refugee camps.
"It is time to immediately cease fire and ensure urgent and unimpeded access to essential humanitarian supplies, including food, water, shelter, medicine, fuel and electricity," they urged. "The physical safety of the civilian population must be guaranteed."
They underlined the need for an end to the occupation, adding that there must be "reparation, restitution and reconstruction, towards full justice for Palestinians."
The deadly conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.
Hamas said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, and increased settler violence against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip, along with stepping up raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank.
Besides launching a sweeping bombardment campaign ahead of an expected ground invasion, Israel ordered a "full siege" on Gaza that has led to electricity supplies being severed as water, food, fuel and medical supplies run out.
