Bachelet Says Israeli Airstrikes against Palestinians May Constitute War Crimes

High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet thanked Adel Bin AbdulRahman Alasoomi, Arab Parliament (AP) Speaker for his letter, which calls upon the UNHCHR to take immediate and resolute action to oblige the government of the occupying power (Israel) to stop the massacres against the Palestinian people and demolitions, evictions and ethnic cleansing in occupied Jerusalem, as well as providing international protection for the Palestinian people.

In a message, Bachelet expressed her deep concern about the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including the recent escalation which resulted in significant loss of human life.

She added that she highlighted in her statement to the Human Rights Council during its 30th Special Session on 27 May 2021, that Israeli airstrikes in such densely populated areas, if found to be indiscriminate and disproportionate in their impact on civilians and civilian objects, such attacks may constitute war crimes.

Bachelet reiterated that Israel as occupying power under international law, is obligated to protect the population in the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza.