'Israel' must pay for inflicting maximum suffering on Gaza: UN experts

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
30 Dec 2024 23:39
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The experts called for independent and thorough investigations into the violations.

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Yehia al-Batran grieves as he holds the body of his 20-day-old son Jomaa, who died from hypothermia, at al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in central Gaza, Sunday, December 29, 2024. (AP)

A group of United Nations rights experts on Monday called for accountability from "Israel" for its violations of international law and the severe suffering inflicted on Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

In a joint statement, the experts asserted that "Israel" has repeatedly violated the rules of war with impunity, accusing its allies of shielding it from accountability.

"International humanitarian law comprises a set of universal and binding rules to protect civilian objects and persons who are not, or are no longer, directly participating in hostilities and limits permissible means and methods of warfare," the experts said.

"Rather than abide by these rules, Israel has openly defied international law time and again, inflicting maximum suffering on civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory and beyond. Israel continues to face no real consequences, largely due to protection offered by its allies."

The experts accused "Israel" of committing acts such as "murder, torture, sexual violence, and repeated forced displacement amounting to forcible transfer" as crimes against humanity. They also mentioned "indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian objects... the use of starvation as a weapon of war" and "collective punishment."

The experts noted that civilians are protected under international law, adding, "Acts aimed at their destruction in whole or in part are genocidal."

Particular concern was raised over "Israel’s" intensified aggression on northern Gaza, which Israeli officials claim is aimed at preventing Hamas from regrouping. However, the experts warned that these actions, including evacuation orders and an ongoing siege, suggest a broader agenda.

"This siege, coupled with expanding evacuation orders, appears intended to permanently displace the local population as a precursor to Gaza's annexation," they said.

The experts called for independent and thorough investigations into the violations. "Israel's continued impunity sends a dangerous message... Israel and its leaders must be held accountable," they urged.

Independent experts

The group includes the UN special rapporteurs on internally displaced persons, cultural rights, education, health, and arbitrary executions, among others. Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, was among the signatories.

On March 26, Albanese released the report, "Anatomy of a Genocide," which identified specific acts of genocide committed by "Israel" in Gaza.