UN human rights report reveals unprecedented civilian deaths in Gaza, with over 34,500 killed and widespread destruction in six-month period

The United Nations has documented an unprecedented scale of civilian casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza during Israel's six-month military offensive, according to a report released on Friday.

Between November 2023 and April 2024, Israeli military operations killed 34,535 Palestinians and injured 77,704 others, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported. A further 10,000 people are presumed buried under rubble.

The report reveals that the majority of casualties were civilians, with a high proportion being children and women. UN investigators verified 8,119 Palestinian deaths by September 2024, of which 44% were children and 26% were women.

"The manner in which the parties to the conflict in Gaza have conducted hostilities has caused horrific human suffering", the report stated, highlighting Israel's "choices of means and methods of warfare".

The healthcare system suffered devastating blows, with only 12 of Gaza's 32 hospitals remaining partially functional by April 2024. The attacks killed at least 491 medical staff and led to the detention of 310 others.

Mass displacement emerged as a critical humanitarian concern, with over 1.7 million people—75% of Gaza's population—forced from their homes. By March 2024, approximately 1.2 million people were crammed into the southernmost governorate of Rafah.

The report documented severe food insecurity affecting 1.1 million residents, with at least 28 persons, mostly children under 12, dying from malnutrition and dehydration by late April.

Infrastructure damage was extensive, with 412 schools and universities either destroyed or partially damaged. The UN also verified the destruction of 243 mosques, including sites of historical significance.

The investigation raised serious concerns about potential violations of international humanitarian law, including attacks on civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian aid delivery.

Israeli authorities maintained that their operations targeted militant infrastructure, though the UN report questioned the proportionality of the military response and its impact on civilian populations.

The High Commissioner called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to uphold international humanitarian law, while emphasising the need for accountability for alleged violations.

 Casualties and Deaths

- Total killed: 34,535 Palestinians

- Total injured: 77,704

- Additional missing/presumed buried: ~10,000

- Verified deaths (as of Sept 2024): 8,119 Palestinians

- 44% children

- 26% women

- 30% men

- 133 hostages still held in Gaza (as of April 6)

- 133 journalists killed (91 verified by OHCHR)

Healthcare Impact

- Only 12 of 32 hospitals partially functional

- 491 medical staff killed

- 310 medical staff detained

- Hospital bed capacity decreased by 80%

- Kidney dialysis beds decreased by 75%

Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis

- 1.7 million people displaced (75% of population)

- 1.2 million people concentrated in Rafah

- 17,000 children unaccompanied or separated from families

- 1.1 million people facing extreme food insecurity

- At least 28 people died from malnutrition and dehydration

 Infrastructure Damage

- 412 schools and universities destroyed/damaged

- 243 mosques destroyed

- Widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure

- Multiple communication blackouts (longest lasting 7 days)

Humanitarian Aid Workers

- 196 aid workers killed

- Multiple incidents of attacks on aid distribution points

- 39 police officers killed while securing aid delivery

Family Impact

- 200 families lost 5-9 members

- 172 families lost 10-19 members

- 69 families lost 20-29 members

- 43 families lost more than 30 members

- Al Najjar family: highest verified losses with 138 members killed

- Al Astal family: second highest with 94 members killed

Major Concerns Raised

International Law Violations

1. Potential violations of:

- International humanitarian law

- International human rights law

- Laws regarding protection of civilians

- Principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution

2. Specific concerns about:

- Use of explosive weapons in populated areas

- Use of white phosphorus munitions

- Attacks on humanitarian workers

- Restrictions on aid delivery

- Forced displacement

- Attacks on healthcare facilities

- Targeting of journalists

Humanitarian Crisis Elements

1. Food Security:

- Severe restrictions on aid entry

- Risk of famine, particularly in northern areas

- Limited access to essential supplies

2. Healthcare:

- Collapse of healthcare system

- Limited access to essential medical services

- Spread of communicable diseases

3. Displacement:

- Multiple forced evacuations

- Overcrowded shelters

- Lack of basic services

 Recommendations

 For All Parties

1. Implement immediate ceasefire

2. Ensure respect for international law

3. Investigate violations

4. Ensure accountability

5. Cooperate with international processes

For Israel

1. Lift blockade and siege

2. Allow humanitarian access

3. Ensure IDF compliance with international law

4. Allow displaced persons to return

5. Release arbitrarily detained Palestinians

6. Prevent incitement to violence

7. Grant access to UN investigators

 For Hamas and Armed Groups

1. Release all hostages

2. Ensure humane treatment of captives

3. Cease attacks on civilians

4. Stop indiscriminate projectile firing

5. Prevent incitement to violence