UN rights office warns of intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza

Thursday 23 July 2026 - 08:15

By: Azzat Manal

UN rights office warns of intensified Israeli attacks in Gaza

The United Nations Human Rights Office has raised concerns over what it describes as an intensification of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, reporting dozens of civilian casualties in recent days and calling for full respect for the ceasefire and accountability for alleged violations of international law.

UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan said Israeli strikes had reportedly hit residential buildings, densely populated areas and at least one tent sheltering internally displaced people. He stressed that civilians in Gaza continue to face extremely dangerous conditions despite the ceasefire that was announced months ago.

According to the UN office, more than 600 Palestinians have been killed since October 2025, including 269 women and children. Palestinian health authorities have reported a higher death toll for the same period, with the number of fatalities exceeding 1,100.

The UN Human Rights Office also reported that at least 57 Palestinians were killed between July 13 and 20, including six children and eight women. It said 34 of those victims were reportedly killed outside the area marked by Israeli forces as the "Yellow Line."

The UN agency warned that the continued loss of civilian lives raises serious concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law. It stressed that deliberately targeting civilians constitutes a war crime under international law and called for investigations into all alleged violations.

The humanitarian situation is further complicated by the shrinking areas available to Palestinians in Gaza. The UN office said the "Yellow Line" had reportedly moved westward, while civilians were allegedly exposed to gunfire when approaching areas near the designated boundary.

The United Nations called on the international community to take urgent steps to ensure compliance with the ceasefire, protect civilians and prevent further violations. It also stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and access to justice in accordance with international law.

The latest warning comes amid continued international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and renewed calls for the protection of civilians and the implementation of international legal obligations.