The UN human rights office is accusing Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups of potential war crimes linked to a raid by the former that saved four hostages over the weekend.
Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence voiced concern about possible violations of the principles of proportionality, distinction and precaution by Israel’s troops who conducted a raid on Saturday at Nuseirat refugee camp within an urban setting.
Palestinian medical officials claimed that some 274 Gazans, including scores of women and children, died during this event.
Hostages being held in densely populated localities by Palestinian armed groups are exposed to “added risks” both from the hostilities around them and from those holding them hostage, according to Laurence.
“All these actions by both parties may amount to war crimes,” he told journalists at a routine UN briefing in Geneva.
“This was disastrous. The way this happened was catastrophic because there were civilians – again – smack in the middle,” said Laurence when he referred to either the 8 months old conflict since October 7 or Israeli military operation itself.
Speaking of hostages’ ordeal as well as their families, he stated: “It’s wonderful news that four hostages have just been released. First off, however, these innocent people ought not to have been taken prisoners at all. This is contrary to international humanitarian law. They should be released now. All of them. Right away.”
