Study identified 8,119 cases among more than 34,500 documented deaths, with 44% of victims being minors and 26% being female
Between November 2023 and April 2024, the agency revealed that women and children were responsible for almost 70% of deaths in the nation. The report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights exposes serious violations of international law during the conflict between and , suggesting that such actions can be classified as war crimes and genocide. The international organization criticized the high number of civilian deaths, attributing this tragedy to the use of weapons in densely populated areas. The study identified 8,119 cases among more than 34,500 documented deaths, with 44% of victims being children and adolescents and 26% women.
The analysis revealed that 80% of fatalities occurred in residential buildings. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported a total of more than 43,500 deaths over the past 13 months, with children accounting for a third of that total. Volker TurkHigh Commissioner for Human Rights, criticized the violation of the principles of international humanitarian law, which require differentiation between civilians and combatants, in addition to proportionality in attacks. He emphasized the need for accountability for these serious infractions.
The UN also noted that Palestinian armed groups used weapons indiscriminately, which contributed to the increase in the number of victims, while the Israeli Army destroyed civilian infrastructure. The situation in northern Gaza is alarming, with the population facing imminent risk of death from disease, hunger and shelling. Catherine Russellhead of Unicef, denounced the indiscriminate attacks against civilians, while Jan Egelandfrom the Norwegian Refugee Council, highlighted the devastation in Gaza, highlighting that women and children are suffering the most severe consequences of the conflict.
Israel’s military offensive was launched after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 deaths on Israeli territory. The Israeli Armed Forces stated that their actions will continue to follow the precepts of international law, even in the face of growing international pressure and criticism about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
*Report produced with the help of AI
Published by Fernando Dias
