UN human rights office ‘profoundly shocked’ at impact on civilians of Israeli hostage rescue mission

By Peter Kenny

GENEVA (AA) - The UN human rights office said Tuesday it is “profoundly shocked” at the impact on civilians of Israeli forces’ weekend hostage rescue operation in Nuseirat and deeply distressed that Palestinian armed groups continue to hold many hostages, most of them civilians.

“We are profoundly shocked at the impact on civilians of the Israeli forces’ operation in An Nuseirat at the weekend to secure the release of four hostages,” Jeremy Laurence, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson, told a press conference.

He said hundreds of Palestinians, many of them civilians, were reportedly killed and injured.

“The manner in which the raid was conducted in such a densely populated area seriously calls into question whether the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution – as set out under the laws of war – were respected by the Israeli forces.

“Our office is also deeply distressed that Palestinian armed groups continue to hold many hostages, most of them civilians, which is prohibited by international humanitarian law.”

He said holding hostages in densely populated areas puts the lives of civilians at risk as well as the lives of the hostages.

“All these actions, by both parties, may amount to war crimes,” said Lawrence.

He said that the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, welcomes Security Council Resolution 2735 calling for a "full and complete ceasefire" and the release of hostages held by Palestinian armed groups.

Turk said it also calls for the return of the remains of dead hostages and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

“An immediate priority must be to ensure the full and unfettered flow of humanitarian aid to the desperate population of Gaza,” said Turk.

Turk called on the parties and “third states,” in particular those with influence over the parties to the conflict, to maximize efforts to work towards the goal of a peaceful future in which Israelis and Palestinians can fully enjoy all human rights and live side by side.

World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said at the press conference that Israeli authorities need to allow Palestinian health facilities in Gaza to be able to operate.