Most of Gaza's 40,000 Are Dead Women, Children, Says UN

As the death toll of Palestinians in Gaza surpasses the grim figure of 40,000, UN rights chief Volker Türk urged on Thursday for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the release of all hostages. This call comes as negotiators prepare to convene in Qatar to renew efforts aimed at ending the conflict and preventing a broader war.

“The majority of the deceased are women and children. This tragic situation is largely attributable to the repeated failures of the Israeli Defense Forces to adhere to the rules of warfare,” the High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a statement.

“On average, approximately 130 individuals have lost their lives each day in Gaza over the past ten months,” Mr. Türk added, referencing estimates from the enclave’s health authorities.

He further characterized the extensive destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship by the Israeli military as profoundly alarming.

He emphasized that his Office has recorded significant breaches of international humanitarian law by both the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, which was responsible for the terror attacks on October 7 that resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and over 250 hostages taken.