UN Report Accuses Israeli Forces of Violating Laws of War in Gaza, Israeli Army Responds with Denial

The UN Human Rights Office has released a report accusing Israeli forces of systematic violations of the laws of war in Gaza. The report focuses on six specific attacks on residential buildings, schools, refugee camps, and markets between October and December of last year.

According to the report, at least 218 people were killed in these incidents, and civilian infrastructure was destroyed. The report highlights the use of air-dropped munitions like GBU-31, GBU-32, and GBU-39s, known for their ability to penetrate concrete structures.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, called on Israel to make the detailed findings of the IDF‘s investigations into these incidents public. The report emphasized the need for accountability and justice for all victims.

In response, the Israeli mission in Geneva rejected the UN’s findings, labeling them as flawed. The IDF defended its operations in Gaza, stating it was acting in accordance with international law. The Israeli military accused Hamas of deliberately embedding military assets among civilians.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, Hezbollah launched a barrage of projectiles into northern Israel, leading to clashes between the two sides. The Israeli military reported intercepting several projectiles and retaliating with strikes in Lebanon’s Tyre and Khiam areas.

Amidst the escalating tensions, US envoy Amos Hochstein called for urgent de-escalation. The clashes between Israel and Lebanon have resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with mounting concerns about a potential escalation to a wider conflict.