GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – The Israeli military is facing condemnation for its alleged “horrific crimes” against civilians in Gaza, as reported by a human rights group. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has called for an urgent international investigation into alleged field executions, torture, and threats of rape against Palestinians by Israeli ground forces in Gaza.
According to testimonies collected by the Geneva-based group, Palestinians arrested in their homes reported being stripped naked and attacked with machine guns, electric cables, and cold water. Other reports include Israeli forces killing civilians attempting to leave their homes and threatening to rape pregnant women.
The conflict has resulted in more than 18,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks, with the majority being women and children. The Israeli military, in return, has suffered significant losses, including a failed rescue attempt that resulted in the death of an Israeli captive.
The UN secretary-general, António Guterres, has warned of a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that the ability to receive incoming aid has been significantly impaired due to the intensity of hostilities.
The United States recently vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, while Israel continues to receive support and weapons sales from the US despite allegations of civilian casualties and human rights violations during the conflict. This has raised concerns about the use of humanitarian aid as a fig leaf for the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
To make matters worse, reports of civilians being killed by snipers and the destruction of food and water supplies in Gaza continue to emerge, prompting calls for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
The situation remains dire as Gaza faces a shortage of aid, widespread displacement, and a deteriorating humanitarian system that poses a severe risk not only to Palestinians but also to peace and security in the region. The international community must take concrete steps to address the immediate needs of the people in Gaza and work towards a sustainable solution to the ongoing conflict.