The conflict around the Gaza Strip has been escalating for days. Now, according to UN human rights experts, there are strong signs that armed Palestinian groups such as Hamas are committing war crimes – but also Israel. The International Criminal Court in The Hague should investigate the conduct of both sides, the experts demanded in a statement.
They accuse Israel of firing rockets and grenades into densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip. These ” arbitrary and excessive attacks “on civilians” probably violate martial law and constitute a war crime, ” the five experts wrote. They specialise in reporting on arbitrary executions, demonstrations, anti-terror operations, the right to education and the situation in the Palestinian territories.
Armed Palestinian groups would similarly” intentionally or recklessly ” fire rockets at Israeli urban areas. Here, too, a war crime could well be present.
“This fight is extremely unequal,” the experts stressed. In their view, one of the best-equipped armies in the world rules over the Palestinians, who have the right to be liberated from Israeli occupation.
At least 211 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since Monday, including at least 59 children. In addition, ten Israelis, including two children. Nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been driven from their homes and are housed in UN facilities.
