The Human Rights Office calls for independent investigations into all attacks on tents for displaced people in Gaza

The office stated, in a press statement, that on December 4, an Israeli air strike hit a temporary site for displaced persons’ tents housing 21 families in the Al-Mawasi area of ​​Khan Yunis, “which Israeli forces unilaterally declared a safe humanitarian zone.”

The office said that the raid and accompanying explosions destroyed all the tents and killed at least 23 Palestinians, including at least 4 children and two women, one of whom was pregnant, and seriously injured others.

He added that the Israeli forces claimed that they targeted Hamas leaders and that the secondary explosions may have been caused by weapons present in the area. “However, it appears that the secondary explosions were the result of the presence of gas cylinders for domestic use, according to information available to the United Nations Human Rights Office.”

The office said that this is the seventh attack on the tents of the displaced during the past two weeks, which led to the killing of at least 34 Palestinians, including 10 children and 3 women. He added that almost all of Gaza’s residents have been displaced more than once due to repeated Israeli displacement orders and continuous bombing.

The UN office stated that The pattern of attacks on displacement sites raises concerns about Israel’s failure to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack.

And he said: “Depending on the circumstances, these strikes may amount to the deliberate targeting of civilians, which is a war crime, and may also constitute a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread, systematic attack against the civilian population.”

The United Nations Human Rights Office called on the Israeli army to give priority to the protection of civilians in Gaza, and demanded independent, impartial and effective investigations into all attacks on displaced persons’ tents since October 7, 2023, which led to the death of civilians, including women and children, and that those responsible be held accountable. He called on Palestinian armed groups to refrain from any activities that might expose civilians to danger.