ALMOST 70 percent of the victims in Gaza as a result of Israeli military aggression were women and children, the UN Human Rights Office reported on Friday (8/11).
In a statement accompanying the 32-page report, the UN Human Rights Office said it had verified the identities of the victims and found that nearly 70 percent of those killed were women and children.
This shows evidence of systematic violations of the basic principles of international humanitarian law, the statement said.
It was also stated that Israel‘s actions in continuing to attack Gaza showed indifference to the deaths of civilians.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stressed the importance of prosecuting serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies.
“All relevant information and evidence must be collected and safeguarded,” he said.
Based on analysis by the UN Human Rights Office, around 80 percent of the deaths occurred in residential buildings. Among them, 44 percent are children and 26 percent are women.
The large number of deaths in each Israeli attack is mainly caused by the use of weapons which have a wide impact in densely populated areas.
The youngest person to die was a one-day-old baby and the oldest was a 97-year-old woman.
According to Turk, the high death toll among civilians is the result of Israel’s failure to comply with the basic principles of international humanitarian law: distinction, proportionality and prudence. He urged that the conflict in Gaza be stopped immediately, hostages and prisoners released, and humanitarian aid immediately sent to the Palestinian enclave.
Israeli aggression has killed more than 43,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas, attacked Israel. Various attempts to achieve a permanent ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful. (Ant/Z-6)
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**Interview with Dr. Miriam Elbaz, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Elbaz. With the recent escalation in the Israel-Gaza conflict, the death toll is staggering—over 44,000 Palestinians and more than 1,100 Israelis have been reported killed since October 7. What are your immediate thoughts on these numbers?
**Dr. Elbaz:** Thank you for having me. The figures are deeply concerning and highlight the tragic human cost of this conflict. It’s important to recognize that these numbers represent real lives—families, communities, and futures lost. The vast majority of victims in Gaza being women and children is particularly alarming and raises serious humanitarian concerns.
**Editor:** The UN Human Rights Office recently reported that almost 70 percent of the victims in Gaza are women and children. What implications does this have for international humanitarian law?
**Dr. Elbaz:** This situation presents a grave challenge to the principles of international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of civilians during armed conflict. The high percentage of women and children as casualties suggests potential violations of these laws, indicating indiscriminate or disproportionate use of force. This needs to be investigated thoroughly to ensure accountability and to protect those most vulnerable in conflict zones.
**Editor:** UNICEF has described the conditions in Gaza as unimaginable. Can you elaborate on the humanitarian situation on the ground?
**Dr. Elbaz:** The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is catastrophic, with essential services such as health care, water, and sanitation severely disrupted. There are reports of overcrowded shelters and limited access to food and medical supplies, which further endangers the population, particularly women and children. As the conflict continues, the situation is likely to deteriorate even more, resulting in a long-term humanitarian crisis.
**Editor:** What can the international community do to address the escalating violence and the humanitarian plight in Gaza?
**Dr. Elbaz:** The international community must take a stronger stance in advocating for immediate ceasefires and negotiations to de-escalate violence. Providing humanitarian aid and ensuring safe access for relief organizations should be prioritized. Furthermore, diplomatic pressure is crucial in holding parties accountable for violations of international law and in fostering a path towards a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Elbaz, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial for us to stay informed and advocate for those affected by the conflict.
**Dr. Elbaz:** Thank you, it was my pleasure. Let’s hope for a quick and peaceful resolution for all involved.