A new report from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel and presented to the United Nations’ Human Rights Council, has concluded Israeli forces have been carrying out crimes against humanity on the civilian population in Gaza, including a campaign of “extermination” that’s increased in scale since 7 October last year.
The Commission found that the chapeau elements of crimes against humanity have been fulfilled, namely a widespread or systematic attack directed against the civilian population in Gaza. The Commission found that the crimes against humanity of extermination; murder; gender persecution targeting Palestinian men and boys; forcible transfer; and torture and inhuman and cruel treatment were committed.
Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel
The report also details war crimes by Hamas during their 7 October attack last year.
The report concludes Israeli forces carried out the “Hannibal Directive” in several locations and first responders and authorities failed to ensure forensic evidence was preserved and collected, especially in relation to alleged sexual crimes, “undermining the possibility of future judicial proceedings, accountability and justice”.
The report states for “Palestinians, Israel’s military operation and attack in Gaza has been the longest, largest and bloodiest since 1948. It has caused immense damage and loss of life and triggered for many Palestinians traumatic memories of the Nakba and other Israeli incursions”.
The Commission says the 7 October attack and Israel’s subsequent response should not be viewed in isolation.