The United Nations Human Rights Office has revealed that nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza from November 2023 to April 2024 are women and children. The findings, published in a 32-page report, describe these deaths as a “systematic violation of international humanitarian law,” highlighting failures to adhere to principles like proportionality and distinction in conflict.
The report states that 80% of fatalities occurred in residential areas, with children aged 0–14 making up the largest portion of victims. The youngest recorded casualty was a one-day-old infant, while the oldest was a 97-year-old woman. The UN attributes the high death toll to Israel’s use of wide-area weapons in densely populated locations, resulting in devastating civilian casualties.
UN rights chief Volker Turk called for an immediate end to the violence, the release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also stressed the need for credible investigations to address potential war crimes and ensure accountability. The report warns that some acts by Israeli forces could constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, or even genocide if intent to destroy a group is established.
Since October 2023, over 43,000 deaths have been reported in Gaza, though the number is believed to be underestimated. Ceasefire efforts have repeatedly failed, and Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
