On Tuesday, the United Nations expressed “grave concern” over Israel’s ongoing bombardment of the central Gaza Strip and called on Israeli forces to ensure the protection of civilians.
The UN Human Rights Office emphasized the need for all attacks to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The statement from the rights office’s spokesman, Seif Magango, highlighted the intensified bombardment in Middle Gaza by Israeli forces, particularly alarming as it followed the relocation order for residents from the south of Wadi Gaza to Middle Gaza and Tal al-Sultan in Rafah.
The health ministry in Gaza reported that an Israeli air strike on Sunday at the Al-Maghazi refugee camp resulted in at least 70 casualties, though AFP was unable to independently verify the toll.
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The Hamas militant group reported 50 strikes in central areas on Monday, including at the Nuseirat refugee camp.
Magango underscored that the death toll occurred amid a worsening humanitarian situation, with damaged roads obstructing relief aid and overcrowded, under-resourced shelters and hospitals.
Referring to the historical context, Magango mentioned the bloodiest Gaza war, triggered by Hamas attacking southern Israel on October 7, leading to approximately 1,140 casualties, mostly civilians.
Israel responded with extensive aerial bombardment, a siege, and a ground invasion, resulting in a total death toll of 20,915 people, primarily women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The UN Human Rights Office reiterated the call for strict adherence to international humanitarian law principles, including distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attacks.
Magango emphasized that Israeli forces must take all available measures to protect civilians, stating that warnings and evacuation orders do not exempt them from their international humanitarian law obligations.
Israel’s military reported striking over 100 targets in 24 hours, including military sites and tunnel shafts in central Jabalia and Khan Yunis, as heavy ground combat continued.
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