Published on: 2026-04-08
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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The war with Iran distracted the world’s attention from the sharp increase in human rights violations against Palestinians. This was stated on Wednesday by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel.
Despiteannouncement of temporary ceasefire, which can become the first step towards de-escalation, all parties that violated international law and carried out attacks on civilians must be held accountable, the Commission members emphasized.
The situation of the civilian population
Independent experts noted that many areas of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory suffered from rocket shelling. Special concern is caused by the situation of Palestinian communities that do not have early warning systems and means of protection, as well as Israelis living near military facilities, and Palestinian citizens of Israel, who have limited access to shelters, including in an unrecognized Bedouin village.
According to the Commission, since the beginning of the regional escalation on February 28, the situation with human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory has sharply deteriorated, however, the broader conflict distracts attention from the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Experts also condemned the adoption by the Israeli Knessetlaw on the death penalty, which provides for the punishment in the form of hanging for a Palestinian defendant convicted of a terrorism-related murder. The Commission opposes the death penalty and notes that this law discriminates against Palestinians.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, airstrikes, shelling, and drone attacks continue, resulting, according to local health authorities, in injuries and at least 200 deaths since the end of February. Simultaneously, according to a statement from the Commission, Israeli authorities have closed or restricted the operation of border crossings, suspended humanitarian transports in several areas, almost completely stopped medical evacuations, and hindered the return of sector residents to their homes.
Independent experts emphasized that even after the cessation of hostilities in October 2025, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely severe: the population is faced with a shortage of medical aid, food, and housing.
West Coast: increase in violence and expansion of settlements
On the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 22 Palestinians, including children, have been killed since February 28, the Commission reports. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), at least six people died as a result of settler attacks.
The commission reports daily attacks by Israeli settlers, often with the support of the military. It also recordscreation of new strongholds and strengthening control over territories, accompanied by the eviction of Palestinians and the seizure of land and property.
A separate concern among experts is the growth of sexual and gender-based violence, used to intimidate and displace the Palestinian population, with practically complete impunity.
Legal assessments
The Commission reminded that Israel, as an occupying power, is obliged to ensure the protection of the Palestinian population. It also referred toAdvisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations, according to which the continued presence of Israel in the occupied territory is illegal, and the policy of expanding settlements and annexation violates international law.
Experts expressed serious concern that, according to their assessment, actions that were previously qualified by the Commission as “genocidal” may continue in Gaza.
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