Damaged ambulance in Gaza City. UN Commission: regional conflict has diverted world attention from violations of Palestinian rights Human rights
The war with Iran has distracted the world’s attention from the sharp rise in human rights violations against Palestinians. This was stated on Wednesday by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel.
Despite the declaration of a temporary ceasefire, which could be the first step towards de-escalation, all parties that violated international law and carried out attacks on civilians must be held accountable, the commission members stressed.Independent experts noted that many areas of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory were hit by rocket attacks. Of particular concern is the situation of Palestinian communities, which lack early warning systems and means of protection, as well as Israelis living near military installations, and Palestinian citizens of Israel, who have limited access to shelters, including in unrecognized Bedouin villages. Palestinian territory has deteriorated sharply, but the broader conflict distracts attention from the suffering of the Palestinian population.
Experts also condemned the Israeli Knesset’s passage of a death penalty law that would impose a penalty of hanging for Palestinian defendants convicted of terrorism-related murder. The commission opposes the death penalty and notes that the law discriminates against Palestinians.
Humanitarian situation in Gaza
Airstrikes, shelling and drone attacks continue in the Gaza Strip, killing at least 200 people since late February, according to local health authorities man. At the same time, according to the Commission’s statement, the Israeli authorities closed or limited the operation of border crossings, suspended humanitarian movements in a number of areas, almost completely stopped medical evacuations and prevented the return of residents of the strip to their homes. Independent experts emphasized that even after the ceasefire in October 2025, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely dire: the population faces a shortage of medical care, food and shelter.
West Bank: Increasing violence and settlement expansion
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 22 Palestinians, including children, have been killed since February 28, the Commission says. At least six people have died in settler attacks, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The commission reports daily attacks by Israeli settlers, often with military support. The creation of new outposts and increased control over territories, accompanied by the eviction of Palestinians and the seizure of their lands, are also recorded.
Experts are particularly concerned about the increase in sexual and gender-based violence used to intimidate and displace the Palestinian population, with almost complete impunity.
Legal estimates
The Commission recalled that Israel, as the occupying Power, has an obligation to ensure the protection of the Palestinian population. She also referred to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice, which found that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied territory is illegal and the policy of settlement expansion and annexation violates international law.
Experts expressed serious concern that, in their assessment, actions that the Commission previously qualified as “genocidal” may continue in Gaza.