Israel allegedly failed to ensure the safety of civilians during precision-guided bombings.
In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Office asserted that Israel failed to sufficiently safeguard civilians during the Gaza conflict, especially when employing precision-guided bombs. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, argued that Israel disregarded the principle of minimizing civilian harm during their bombing campaign, as stated during a Wednesday presentation of the report "Disproportionate and Unlawful Attacks during the Conflict in Gaza." Israel disputed the report's legitimacy.
Human rights advocate and lawyer Navi Pillay leveled accusations against Israel for committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and torture. As the chairperson of the independent investigation commission appointed by the Human Rights Council, Pillay presented the commission's report at the Wednesday meeting. The report had been previously made public. Israel allegedly obstructed the commission's access, according to Pillay, thus violating the rights of victims, including those residing in Israel.
The new report on attacks claims that Israel overlooked the necessary protection of civilians. The UN Office cites examples, such as the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," which reported in October 2023 that a military spokesperson stated, "We meticulously weigh our target precision and the extent of potential damage but, at present, our focus is on causing maximum harm."
Another military representative, speaking to Hamas and Gaza residents, was reported to have said, "You're dealing with inhuman monsters. Israel enforced a total blockade on Gaza, cutting off all electricity, water, and aid, with nothing but destruction left in its wake. This is the hell you desired; this is the hell you shall receive."
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After the UN Human Rights Office criticized Israel's actions during the Gaza conflict, the Israeli military was accused of using precision-guided bombs without adequate consideration for civilian safety. The report presented by Navi Pillay and her commission alleged that Israel disregarded the principle of minimizing civilian harm, further stating that their focus was on causing maximum harm. Following these accusations, Israel disputed the report's legitimacy and was accused of obstructing the commission's access, allegedly violating the rights of victims.
