Israeli air strikes in Rafah camp: UN experts demand international action to end bloodshed

Israeli air strikes on a camp sheltering displaced civilians in Tal al-Sultan in Rafah have reportedly claimed at least 46 lives, including 23 women, children, and older persons, on Sunday night, prompting outrage and calls for decisive international action from UN experts.

"Harrowing images of destruction, displacement, and death have emerged from Rafah, including infants torn apart and people burnt alive," the experts said in a statement. "Reports from the ground indicate that the strikes were indiscriminate and disproportionate, with people trapped inside burning plastic tents, leading to a horrific casualty toll."

"These barbaric attacks are a flagrant violation of international law. They are also an attack on human decency and our collective humanity," the experts added.

In addition to the 46 fatalities in Tal al-Sultan, hundreds more were treated for severe burns. Another attack on Tuesday in al-Mawasi, Western Rafah, reportedly killed 21 Palestinians, including 13 women.

"Recklessly targeting sites known to shelter displaced Palestinians, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and older persons, constitutes a grave breach of the laws of war and a grim reminder of the urgent need for international action and accountability," the experts said.

The UN experts emphasised that even if Israeli leaders claim the strikes were a 'mistake', they bear international legal responsibility. "Calling it a mistake will not make the strikes legal, bring back those killed in Rafah, or give comfort to grieving survivors," they said.

The experts recalled a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which ordered Israel to immediately halt the military offensive and any other actions in Rafah that may result in genocidal acts. They criticised Israel for disregarding this directive in the Sunday night attack.

"ICJ orders like the one issued on 24 May 2024 to Israel are binding. Israel – which has enjoyed impunity for its crimes against the Palestinian people for decades, and for its brutal assault on the people of Gaza over the past eight months – must comply," the experts explained.

They demanded an independent international investigation into the attacks on the Rafah displacement camps, insisting that those responsible for these atrocities be held accountable. They also called for immediate sanctions and other measures by the international community to pressure Israel to comply with international law.

"The flow of arms into Israel must stop immediately. It is abundantly clear that these weapons are being used to brutally kill and maim Palestinian civilians," the experts stated.

They also demanded unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza and an end to the blockade and restrictions on the delivery of life-saving aid to civilians in the besieged enclave.

"A staggering five per cent of Gaza's population has been killed or injured, more than 70 per cent of homes destroyed, and more than 75 per cent displaced. The agony of Gaza's people must end," the experts said.

Expressing deep frustration at the international community's failure to unite and halt Israel's assault, the experts highlighted the danger posed to both Palestinians and Israeli hostages alike.

"This cannot be tolerated," they concluded. "An immediate and permanent ceasefire, coupled with meaningful measures to document and ensure accountability for atrocities, and secure the fundamental rights of Palestinians in Gaza, are the only path forward to salvage our shared humanity."