Nearly 50 UN human rights experts have denounced the ongoing Israeli attacks on the city of Rafah, expressing anger over airstrikes on a camp sheltering displaced civilians in Tel Sultan. They demand decisive international action to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.
In a statement published on the United Nations website, the experts stated, “Horrifying images of destruction, displacement, and death have emerged from Rafah, including the tearing apart of infants and burning of people alive.” They added that reports from the ground indicate indiscriminate and disproportionate strikes, trapping people inside burning plastic tents and resulting in a devastating toll on civilians.
The independent UN experts emphasized that these brutal attacks “constitute a flagrant violation of international law, and also represent an assault on human dignity and our shared humanity.”
The experts asserted, “The reckless targeting of sites known to shelter displaced Palestinians, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and the elderly seeking refuge, constitutes a serious violation of the laws of war and serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for international action and accountability.”
Accountability for Israeli Officials
The experts’ statement reads, “Even if Israeli leaders now claim the strikes were mistakes, they bear international legal responsibility. Describing it as a mistake does not render the airstrikes lawful, nor will it bring back the dead in Rafah or ease the suffering of the grieving survivors.”
The United Nations experts noted that the attack comes shortly after a historic ruling from the International Court of Justice, “Directing Israel to immediately cease military attacks, and any further action in Rafah may lead to acts of genocide.” They warned that Israel blatantly disregarded these directives during the Sunday night assault.
The experts stressed that orders from the International Court of Justice, such as those issued on May 24, 2024, to Israel are binding, emphasizing the need for Israel to comply with these orders.
They pointed out that Israel “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.”
The independent UN experts called for an independent international investigation into the attacks on refugee camps in Rafah, emphasizing the need to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable.
They also called for immediate sanctions and other measures by the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law.
Halting Arms Flow to Israel
The UN experts stressed the immediate need to halt the flow of arms to Israel, stating that it is abundantly clear that these weapons are being used to brutally kill and maim Palestinian civilians.
They called for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and an end to the siege and restrictions imposed on delivering life-saving assistance to civilians in the besieged enclave.
Their statement reads, “Up to 5% of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured, more than 70% of homes have been destroyed, and over 75% have been displaced. The suffering of the people of Gaza must end.”
The experts expressed deep frustration at the international community’s failure to act together and halt the brutal Israeli onslaught, which has put Palestinians and Israeli hostages alike in danger.
The experts concluded their statement by saying, “This cannot be tolerated. Immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities, along with meaningful measures to document and ensure accountability for atrocities, and securing the basic rights of Palestinians in Gaza, is the only way forward to save our shared humanity.”
