Palestine: The United Nations human rights office has stated that the Israeli air attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza could amount to a war crime. The statement comes amid growing concerns about the rising number of civilians killed in the nearly month-long war.
The camp, in a densely populated part of Gaza City, was hit by missiles in adjacent days. According to a report from the government of Gaza, at least 195 people had been killed, with more than 100 thought to be missing beneath the rubble. Also, some 777 people were injured in the attacks.
“Given the high number of civilian casualties and the scale of destruction following Israeli air strikes on Jabalia refugee camp, we have serious concerns that these are disproportionate attacks that could amount to war crimes,” the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights posted on X.
“Secretary-General Mr. Antonio Guterres is appalled over the escalating violence in Gaza”, UN spokesman Mr. Stephane Dujarric said.
“This includes the killing of Palestinians, including women and children, in Israeli air strikes in residential areas of the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp,” Mr. Dujarric added.
The UN spokesman further commented that the secretary-general reiterated that all parties “must abide by international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.”
“This is just the latest atrocity to befall the people of Gaza, where the fighting has entered an even more terrifying phase with increasingly dreadful humanitarian consequences,” Mr. Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian chief, said in a statement.
The UN humanitarian chief added that “the world seems unable, or unwilling, to act. This cannot go on. We need a step change.”
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