 |
| Israeli strikes targeting civilians sheltering in Rafah camps |
UN experts have condemned Israeli airstrikes on a camp sheltering displaced civilians in Tal al-Sultan, Rafah, which reportedly killed at least 46 people, including 23 women, children, and older persons, on Sunday night. They demanded decisive international action to halt the bloodshed in Gaza.
“Harrowing images of destruction, displacement, and death have emerged from Rafah, including infants torn apart and people burnt alive,” the experts stated. “Reports from the ground indicate that the strikes were indiscriminate and disproportionate, with people trapped inside burning plastic tents, resulting in a horrific casualty toll.”
“These barbaric attacks are a flagrant violation of international law. They are also an attack on human decency and our collective humanity,” they added.
In addition to the 46 casualties in Tal al-Sultan, hundreds more have been treated for severe burns. On Tuesday, another attack in al-Mawasi, Western Rafah, reportedly killed 21 Palestinians, including 13 women.
“Recklessly targeting sites known to shelter displaced Palestinians, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, seeking refuge constitutes a grave breach of the laws of war and a grim reminder of the urgent need for international action and accountability,” they said.
The experts emphasized that even if Israeli leaders claim the strikes were a 'mistake', they bear international legal responsibility. “Calling it a mistake will not make the strikes legal, bring back those killed in Rafah, or comfort grieving survivors," they asserted.
They highlighted that the attack occurred shortly after a landmark International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which ordered Israel to halt the military offensive and any actions in Rafah that may result in genocidal acts. Israel disregarded this directive in Sunday night’s attack, the experts noted.
“ICJ orders like the one issued on 24 May 2024 to Israel are binding. And Israel – which has enjoyed impunity for its crimes against the Palestinian people for decades, and for its brutal assault on the people of Gaza over the past eight months – must comply,” the experts insisted.
They called for an independent international investigation into the attacks on Rafah displacement camps, demanding accountability for those responsible for these atrocities.
The experts urged immediate sanctions and other measures by the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law. “The flow of arms into Israel must stop immediately. It is abundantly clear that these weapons are being used to brutally kill and maim Palestinian civilians,” they said.
They also demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and an end to the blockade and restrictions on the delivery of life-saving aid to civilians in the besieged enclave. “A staggering five per cent of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured, more than 70 per cent of homes destroyed, and more than 75 per cent displaced. The agony of Gaza’s people must end,” they emphasized.
The experts expressed deep frustration at the international community’s failure to stop Israel’s brutal assault, which has endangered Palestinians and Israeli hostages alike.
“This cannot be tolerated,” the experts declared. “An immediate and permanent ceasefire, coupled with meaningful measures to document and ensure accountability for atrocities, and secure the fundamental rights of Palestinians in Gaza, are the only path forward to salvage our shared humanity.”
