New York - Gaza: Europe and the Arabs
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the horrific events that occurred over the past three days in Gaza are unbelievable. He added that failure to comply with the rules of international humanitarian law may constitute war crimes, according to the United Nations daily news bulletin.
In a press statement, Volker Türk said that the killing of such a large number of people in schools that were turned into shelters, and the hundreds fleeing for their lives from Al-Shifa Hospital in light of the continued displacement of hundreds of thousands in southern Gaza, are actions that contradict the basic protection measures that must be provided to civilians under the law. International.
He added, "The pictures that were said to have been taken following the Israeli bombing that was reported to have occurred on Al Fakhoura School are horrific, and clearly show large numbers of women, children and men who were seriously injured or killed."
He pointed out that at least three other schools housing displaced Palestinians were attacked during the past 48 hours.
He said that Israeli military operations are still continuing inside and around Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. He added: "United Nations colleagues visited the site yesterday, and saw with their own eyes what they described as a 'death zone'. Medical workers, patients and civilians fled the hospital on orders from the Israeli army."
The High Commissioner for Human Rights said that hundreds were seen making their way south on foot, putting their lives, health and safety at great risk. “And where to? There is no safe place in Gaza.”
In Khan Yunis, Volker Türk said the Israeli army was dropping leaflets asking residents to go to unspecified “recognized shelters,” even as raids occurred throughout Gaza.
He stated that displaced Palestinians - in light of the severe restrictions imposed on life-saving aid - are struggling to meet their basic needs, and are forced to live in ever-shrinking and overcrowded spaces in unsanitary and unsafe spaces.
He said: "Regardless of the warnings, Israel is obligated to protect civilians wherever they are." He stressed the need to strictly adhere to the rules of international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction (between combatants and civilians), proportionality, and taking due precautions when carrying out attacks. He said that failure to adhere to these rules could constitute war crimes.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights said in his statement that the pain, horror and fear etched on the faces of children, women and men are too much to bear.
He asked: How much violence, bloodshed and misery will it take before people come to their senses? How many more civilians will be killed?
He stressed the need for all of this to stop, for humanity to come first, and the urgent need for a ceasefire now for humanitarian purposes and on the basis of human rights.