UN Report: Nearly 70% of Gaza Deaths are Women and Children

Harrowing Statistics Highlight Civilian Toll Amid Ongoing Conflict

A recent report released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has revealed that nearly 70 percent of verified deaths in Gaza during the first six months of the armed conflict are women and children. The report, published on Friday, underscores the devastating impact of the war, as it confirms that a staggering 44 percent of the casualties were children, with the youngest victim being merely a day old and the oldest a 97-year-old woman.

UN Human Rights Chief Condemns Indifference to Civilian Suffering

Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, has openly condemned what he describes as Israel’s “apparent indifference” towards the civilian toll in Gaza. He criticized the country’s “wanton disregard” for the established rules of war, which are intended to mitigate human suffering during armed conflict. Turk’s remarks come in light of the report, which has verified 8,119 out of more than 34,500 reported fatalities since the onset of hostilities on October 7, 2023.

In his statement, Turk called upon Israel to adhere to its international obligations, particularly in light of the ongoing siege of northern Gaza and the recent severance of ties with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He emphasized that the ongoing military actions could constitute “widespread or systematic” attacks on civilians, potentially amounting to “crimes against humanity.”

Disturbing Breakdown of Victims

The report presents a stark breakdown of the ages and genders of the victims, reinforcing the Palestinian assertion that civilians, particularly women and children, are disproportionately affected by the conflict. The findings indicate that children aged five to nine represent the largest single group among the deceased, with significant numbers also in the 10-14 age range and those aged four and under.

Additionally, the report highlights that in 88 percent of the documented cases, five or more individuals were killed in a single attack. This statistic points to the Israeli military's use of wide-area munitions in densely populated regions, raising alarming concerns about the methods employed in combat operations.

Humanitarian Crisis and Infrastructure Destruction

The report further outlines the Israeli government’s failures to facilitate humanitarian aid, the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, and the resulting mass displacement of populations. Turk stated that this pattern of conduct by Israeli forces has led to unprecedented levels of death, injury, starvation, and disease among the civilian population.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the humanitarian situation in Gaza grows increasingly dire. The UN report calls for urgent action to address these grave concerns and to protect vulnerable populations caught in the crossfire.

Israel's Response to the Report

In response to the UN findings, Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva categorically rejected the report, claiming it relied on “unverified information.” This dismissal reflects the ongoing tensions and differing narratives surrounding the conflict, as Israel maintains that its military operations are necessary for national security.

Since the beginning of the conflict, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported that at least 43,469 Palestinians have been killed and over 102,561 injured. These staggering figures underscore the urgent need for resolution and humanitarian intervention as the toll on civilians continues to rise. The international community watches closely, calling for accountability and the protection of human rights in the ongoing crisis.