A recent United Nations report says Israeli forces killed 26 Palestinian civilians in Jenin during a two-day military action in July. The investigation looked at what happened between July 3rd and July 26th. It found that airstrikes and ground operations badly damaged homes, medical centers and other important buildings in the Jenin refugee camp. The report says that many civilians were killed and property was destroyed because of these actions. Israeli officials said they were targeting militant groups but the UN report questions if the amount of force used in a populated area was necessary or fair.
The report points out specific situations where the Israeli military may have violated international human rights law. Investigators found cases where excessive force was used and medical workers were attacked or prevented from helping people. Also some civilians including children were killed in their homes or as they tried to escape the violence. The UN analysis says that the size of the military operation and its effect on the civilians shows that Israeli forces did not do enough to avoid killing or harming civilians or damaging important civilian buildings.
This UN report brings up concerns about how Israeli forces use military power in Palestinian areas and how it affects people who are not involved in fighting. The report asks for an investigation and accountability for the deaths. It stresses the importance of following international laws about the use of force. The report is meant to be an unbiased look at the events and to help in discussions about human rights in the area. The UN is urging the Israeli government to respond to what the report found and to do what is needed to protect civilians’ lives.