According to the UN, possible “war crimes” were committed in Gaza by Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups as part of a deadly raid by Israeli forces which freed four hostages on Saturday June 8.
Bureau spokesperson Jeremy Laurence expressed concern over possible violations of proportionality and precautionary rules by Israeli forces during Saturday’s raid on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Palestinian health authorities say at least 274 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, were killed in the operation.
He said Palestinian armed groups holding hostages in densely populated areas pose “additional risks” to nearby civilians and hostages due to hostilities.
“All these actions carried out by both parties can be assimilated to war crimes”, he told a UN briefing in Geneva.
“The way this was handled is catastrophic, as civilians, once again, were caught in the middle of it all.”, added Jeremy Laurence, referring to both the Israeli military operation and the conflict which has lasted for more than eight months.
Referring to “Calvary“of the hostages and their families, he declared that”the fact that four hostages are now free is obviously very good news. These hostages should never have been taken. This is a violation of international humanitarian law. They must be released. All. Quickly.”