Independent human rights inquiry highlights Israel’s ‘destruction and disruption’ tactics in Gaza
“People from northern Gaza moved south and suddenly they were attacked in the south. Navi Pillay, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry into the Occupied Palestinian Territories that includes East Jerusalem and Israel, said: “We read all those contradictory instructions that point to an attitude of indifference to life, their destruction and dislocation”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting Eastern Human Rights Association After presenting the Commission’s report on the early months of the conflict, Ms. Pillay emphasized that under the laws of war: “You cannot kill civilians, you must protect them. With this career, based on all the information we gathered, it was pretty clear to us. There is a very clear intention to forcibly relocate people just to force them to leave.”
‘Third party’ support
When asked about the role of “third party” countries in both the large-scale bombing and the occupation of Gaza, Ms. Pillay replied that “thousands of people told us over and over that Without the help of powerful countries, Israel would not have been able to carry out this permanent occupation”.
And to resolve the discrepancy between the panel’s conclusion that war crimes may have been committed by the Israel Defense Forces and the current government’s representation of its soldiers as one of the ” “ethically responsible” in the world, Ms Pillay says she remains extremely concerned. fears of widespread killing and destruction of public buildings including hospitals and a “razed” university.
“I don’t know if this is one of the most ethical armies in the world, but what I have the expertise and authority to do is evaluate criminal conduct,” Commissioner Chris Sidoti said. “And we did that in relation to recent events and you can see that in the report. And The only conclusion you can draw is that the Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world.”
Huge human cost
Since terrorist attacks led by Hamas on multiple locations in southern Israel on October 7 have claimed the lives of about 1,250 people and left more than 250 people hostage, Mr. Sidoti noted noting that “thousands of children, women and men were killed and injured – Palestinians, Israelis.” and citizens of other countries”.
Responding to allegations that the Commission of Inquiry did too little to investigate allegations of serious sexual abuse of hostages, Ms Pillay emphasized the lack of cooperation and outreach of the Israeli authorities towards the victims of the October 7 attack.
“They are preventing the victims at the scene from having these voices, authentic voices heard,” the independent human rights investigator emphasized, Comrade Commissioner Sidoti also commented: “ There were hostages released. We are keen to speak to them when appropriate, taking into account physical and psychological conditions…Our first rule in gathering evidence is do no harm. So, when the time is right for them, we want to talk to them.”
Principle of accountability
The Commissioners explained that the search for transparency is standard procedure in human rights investigations and stems from the desire to address the causes of unresolved conflicts – such as those in Gaza and more broadly in the Middle East – and pursue accountability for the benefit of victims.
“We have to understand why this happened if we want to prevent it from happening again,” Mr. Sidoti said. “This is the highest death toll ever in this long period of war…There must be accountability for each specific criminal act.”
The hostage horror continues
Presenting its report to the Human Rights Council, the Committee affirmed that the Israeli authorities were responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity. and that Hamas militants have also committed war crimes – deliberately directing attacks against civilians and through “patterns” of sexual abuse, primarily targeting Israeli women.
This is the highest death toll ever during this long period of war… Each specific criminal action must be held accountable.
— Commissioner Chris Sidoti
An Israeli representative who also spoke at the Council introduced himself as Mr mother of Romi Gonen, 23 years oldthe car carrying three other passengers was shot at by Hamas militants on October 7.
“As the sole survivor, she was brutally dragged from the car along the road by her beautiful long hair. I was a witness to this reality when I spoke to her on the phone, hearing her helplessness and frustration…That was 257 days ago and 119 hostages are still in solitary confinement in the Gaza Strip to this day..”
About the Investigation Committee
The Commission of Inquiry was established by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian law and abuses of international human rights law since 13 April 2021.
Its members are not employees of the United Nations and do not receive a salary for their work.
