UN: Israeli Use of Heavy Bombs in Gaza Raises Serious Concerns Under Laws of War

The UN Human Rights Office has released a new assessment today regarding six significant attacks carried out by the Israeli army in Gaza last year. These attacks resulted in a large number of civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. The assessment raises serious concerns about the adherence to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in attack, as outlined in the laws of war.

The report provides detailed information on the six emblematic attacks, which involved the suspected use of GBU-31 (2,000 lbs), GBU-32 (1,000 lbs), and GBU-39 (250 lbs) bombs. These attacks targeted residential buildings, a school, refugee camps, and a market. The UN Human Rights Office has verified 218 deaths resulting from these attacks, but there are indications that the actual number of fatalities could be much higher.

High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern over the consistent violation of the requirement to choose means and methods of warfare that minimize civilian harm. He stated, "Israel's bombing campaign appears to have consistently disregarded this obligation."

The report concludes that the series of Israeli strikes, exemplified by the six incidents, suggests a repeated violation of fundamental principles of the laws of war by the Israeli forces. It further highlights that when unlawful targeting is part of a widespread or systematic attack against a civilian population, in accordance with a state or organizational policy, it may constitute crimes against humanity.