The United Nations Human Rights Office released a report Friday highlighting that nearly 70% of casualties in Gaza from recent Israeli operations are women and children, suggesting serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

Covering six months from November 2023 to April 2024, the report details incidents that may constitute war crimes, citing widespread civilian deaths and the destruction of essential infrastructure.

The report underscores the International Court of Justice's orders for Israel to prevent and punish acts of genocide, with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasizing the urgency of Israel's compliance with international obligations amid ongoing conflict. Türk called for credible investigations into the documented violations, noting the need for accountability to address severe breaches of the laws of war, particularly principles of distinction and proportionality.

“This unprecedented level of civilian harm directly results from noncompliance with core principles of international humanitarian law,” Türk stated, urging the collection and preservation of evidence to facilitate future accountability.

The report also outlines severe humanitarian consequences in Gaza, such as forced displacements, restricted humanitarian aid access, and civilian suffering under siege conditions. Israeli operations, including the use of white phosphorus munitions and attacks on hospitals and journalists, were flagged as areas of particular concern.

Türk called on UN Member States to reassess arms and military support to the conflict parties to prevent further violations of international law. The UN High Commissioner highlighted the critical need for a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

"The violence must stop," he urged, stressing that ensuring humanitarian access is crucial to alleviating the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict. (ILKHA)