The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel recently released a report that highlighted the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. The report, which was published on Wednesday, outlined the devastating impact of the violence on both civilian populations, with women and children bearing the brunt of the suffering.
One of the key incidents mentioned in the report was the brutal attack carried out by Hamas on communities in southern Israel on 7 October. This attack was described as a “clear turning point” in the conflict, with the potential to change the direction of the conflict significantly. The Commission warned that there was a real risk of further solidifying and expanding the occupation if steps were not taken to address the root causes of the violence.
The attack on southern Israel was unprecedented in scale, resulting in the deaths and abductions of hundreds of people. This event invoked painful memories of past persecution for Israeli Jews and Jewish people worldwide. On the Palestinian side, Israel’s military operation in Gaza was described as the longest, largest, and bloodiest since 1948, causing immense damage and loss of life. Many Palestinians were reminded of the Nakba and other traumatic events in their history.
The Commission stressed that the attack in Israel and the subsequent military operation in Gaza were interconnected and should not be viewed in isolation. The only way to break the cycle of violence, according to the Commission, was to ensure strict adherence to international law. This included ending the unlawful Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, addressing discrimination and oppression, and guaranteeing peace and security for both Jews and Palestinians.
In its report, the Commission also highlighted the deliberate targeting of civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups. Members of these groups were accused of committing war crimes, including killing, injuring, mistreating, and taking hostages. Sexual and gender-based violence against civilians, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals, was also reported. The Commission identified patterns indicative of sexual violence in several locations and noted that Israeli women were disproportionately affected by these crimes.
Furthermore, the Commission criticized Israeli authorities for failing to protect civilians in southern Israel. The report highlighted the need for all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Overall, the Commission’s report painted a grim picture of the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, emphasizing the need for immediate action to address the root causes of the violence and prevent further loss of life and suffering. It called on all parties to the conflict to prioritize peace, security, and respect for international law in order to achieve a lasting resolution to the decades-long conflict in the region.
