UN Human Right Office alarmed at escalation of hostilities in Gaza

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) – The UN Human Rights Office on Thursday expressed concern over Israeli Defense Forces strikes in Gaza this week that killed at least 25 Palestinians, including women and children.

In a statement, the rights office spokesman Jeremey Laurence also voiced alarm at the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip following rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups into Israel and urged all parties to take measures to defuse tensions.

“Since 9 May, a total of 25 Palestinians, including six children and four women, have been killed and dozens injured in Gaza, according to data verified by the UN,” Lawrence said.

At least three senior members of Palestinian Islamic Jihad were among those killed.

The official said “Buildings that the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) struck reportedly included residential apartments, raising serious concerns whether these attacks complied with the principles of distinction and proportionality.

“We are concerned about whether the IDF took sufficient precautions to avoid, and in any event to minimize, loss of civilian life, injury to civilians, and damage to civilian objects.”

Launching indiscriminate rockets from Gaza into Israel, which puts at risk both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, violates international humanitarian law, he said.

“We urge all parties to take measures to de-escalate and conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into all killings, especially of civilians.”

According to Palestinian figures, at least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since the start of this year.

At least 19 Israelis were also killed in separate attacks during the same period.