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Rabat – An independent United Nations investigation has concluded that Israel committed crimes against humanity during its military operations in Gaza, including the crime of “extermination.”
The findings are part of two parallel reports officially released by the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) which are set to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council next week.
The COI’s report found that during the war on Gaza, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) committed numerous serious violations, including extermination, murder, gender persecution targeting Palestinian men and boys, forcible transfer, torture and other forms of inhuman treatment.
These conclusions are drawn from extensive investigations, despite the COI facing significant obstacles, as Israel has not cooperated with the commission and has restricted access to both Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
In parallel, the COI also investigated the actions of Hamas during the early stages of the war, concluding that the group committed war crimes.
The findings come at a critical juncture, as the UN Security Council recently passed a resolution backing a three-stage ceasefire plan for Gaza. This plan includes the return of all captives, cessation of hostilities, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed commitment to the plan. However, Netanyahu has maintained that the destruction of Hamas is a prerequisite for ending the war, raising doubts about his true stance on the ceasefire.
Hamas initially welcomed the UN’s ceasefire proposal but issued a formal response on Tuesday, suggesting several amendments, including a detailed timeline for the ceasefire. The White House acknowledged the receipt of Hamas’ reply and is currently evaluating it.
“The ball now appears to be tossed over the net and in Israel’s court to come up with some form of response,” reported Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna from Washington, DC.
