The UN Human Rights Office has released a report suggesting that Israeli air strikes in Gaza may have systematically violated international laws of war, which require the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.
The report focuses on what it labels as six “emblematic attacks” on residential buildings, a school, refugee camps, and a market between October 9 and December 2 last year. According to the UN, these incidents resulted in the deaths of at least 218 people and the destruction of civilian objects.
Israel’s mission in Geneva has rejected the findings, labeling them as “factually, legally, and methodologically flawed.” The mission asserts that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operated within the boundaries of international law and accused Hamas of embedding itself unlawfully among civilians.
The Israeli military launched a campaign following an attack on southern Israel in October, resulting in significant casualties and hostages. Since then, more than 37,390 people have reportedly been killed in Gaza, with no distinction made between civilians and combatants by the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
The UN report, published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Wednesday, details six specific strikes using air-dropped munitions known as GBU-31, GBU-32, and GBU-39s. These strikes allegedly targeted densely populated areas, raising concerns about indiscriminate attacks.
Key incidents highlighted in the report include:
Jabalia Market, October 9, 2023: Explosions destroyed two buildings, resulting in at least 42 verified deaths, including 14 children.
Taj3 Tower, Gaza City, October 25: A residential building and nearby structures were destroyed, leading to at least 105 verified deaths, including 47 children.
Jabalia Camp, October 31: Ten structures in a refugee camp were destroyed, resulting in at least 56 verified deaths, including 23 children.
Bureij Camp, November 2: At least 12 buildings were destroyed, leading to 15 verified deaths, including nine children.
Al-Buraq School, Gaza City, November 10: A school section was destroyed, resulting in at least 34 reported deaths.
Shujaiya Neighborhood, Gaza City, December 2: Fifteen buildings were destroyed, with reports of 60 deaths.
According to the UN, the use of wide-area effect weapons like GBU-31, GBU-32, and GBU-39s in densely populated areas likely resulted in indiscriminate attacks. The report criticizes the lack of specific warnings before five of the strikes and challenges the notion that the presence of military targets justifies broad attacks on civilian areas.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk urged Israel to publicly disclose detailed findings from IDF investigations into these incidents. He emphasized the importance of holding accountable those responsible for violations and ensuring victims’ rights to truth, justice, and reparations.
Israel’s response reiterated its commitment to international law principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions. The mission accused the UN report of bias and overlooking Hamas’s tactics of embedding military assets within civilian areas to maximize civilian harm.
The situation underscores ongoing international scrutiny over the conduct of military operations in conflict zones, particularly concerning civilian casualties and compliance with humanitarian law.
