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    The UN calls for full compliance with the ceasefire

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May 27, 2021 Israeli raids on Gaza could constitute war crimes. This was stated by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, during the extraordinary session of the UN Human Rights Council.



The creation of a possible international commission of inquiry into human rights violations in the Palestinian territories and in Israel is also under discussion.



In the territories affected by the conflict, a truce is in force after eleven days of air raids in which more than 200 people have died, including more than 60 children.



"If deemed disproportionate, such attacks could constitute war crimes," Bachelet said of the Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip ruled by the Palestinian extremist movement Hamas. 



Bachelet also pointed out that Hamas' indiscriminate launch against the territory of Israel was a clear violation of the rules of war. Before the Human Rights Council, the high commissioner spoke of the "most significant escalation in hostilities since 2014", which has left devastation and death in the Gaza Strip. 



"Air strikes in such densely populated areas have resulted in a high level of civilian casualties and injuries, as well as widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure," the former Chilean president said. "Such attacks can constitute war crimes," he added, if deemed indiscriminate and disproportionate in their impact on civilians.



Hamas "rockets" have hit "indiscriminately and fail to distinguish between military and civilian objects, their use, therefore, constitutes a clear violation of international humanitarian law", he added, "however, the actions of one side they do not absolve the other from its obligations under international law ". "Unless the root causes of the violence are addressed, it will surely be a matter of time before the next round of violence begins, with further pain and suffering for civilians on all sides," he concluded.