The United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a call for an immediate investigation into disturbing reports indicating that Israeli forces may have engaged in the "summary execution" of at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in Gaza City. These actions, if confirmed, could potentially amount to war crimes, according to the UN Human Rights Office. The alleged incident reportedly took place when Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took control of the Al Awda building in the Al Remal neighborhood, where several families sought refuge.
According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), IDF troops are said to have separated men from women and children before proceeding to shoot and kill at least 11 men, most of whom were in their late 20s and early 30s, right in front of their family members. The women and children were then reportedly confined to a room, where they were subjected to violence, resulting in serious injuries, including an infant and a child.
While the OHCHR has confirmed the occurrence of the killings, it emphasizes that the details and circumstances are still under verification. Therefore, the UN body has called for an immediate, independent, and thorough investigation into these deeply troubling allegations. As of now, the IDF has not released any statement concerning the reported incident.
This reported incident adds to the growing concerns regarding the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, with a notable increase in civilian casualties raising international alarm about the conduct of the conflict. High-ranking US officials have urged Israel to take measures to minimize civilian deaths as it continues its military operations against Hamas in the region. According to reports from Hamas, the death toll among Palestinians in Gaza has risen significantly since Israel initiated bombings in response to the militant group's attacks on October 7. This toll represents one of the heaviest losses on the Arab side in any conflict with Israel since the invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
