In a newly released report, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, a UN independent human rights body, has concluded that both Palestinian armed groups and Israeli authorities have committed war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report, which was released on Wednesday, highlights the devastating impact of the attack on 7 October and the subsequent military operations. It points out that during this period, civilians, particularly women and children, bore the brunt of the decisions made by those in power, compounding the immense suffering experienced by both Palestinians and Israelis.

The attack on 7 October by Hamas on communities in southern Israel is described as a "clear turning point," presenting a watershed moment that could change the direction of the conflict. The Commission warns of a real risk of further solidifying and expanding the occupation, causing more harm to both Israelis and Palestinians.

The scale of the attack was unprecedented in modern Israeli history, with hundreds of people killed and abducted in a single day, evoking painful memories of past persecution for Israeli Jews and Jewish people worldwide. On the other hand, Israel's military operation and attack in Gaza were the longest, largest, and bloodiest since 1948 for Palestinians, causing immense damage and loss of life.

The Commission stressed that to end the recurring cycles of violence, strict adherence to international law is necessary. This includes ending the unlawful Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, ensuring the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people, and guaranteeing peace and security for both Jews and Palestinians.

Regarding the attack on 7 October, the Commission found that members of Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, as well as Palestinian civilians directly involved in hostilities, deliberately killed, injured, mistreated, took hostages, and committed sexual and gender-based violence against civilians, including Israeli citizens and foreign nationals. These actions are deemed war crimes and violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

The report also highlights the failure of Israeli authorities to protect civilians in southern Israel, including the swift deployment of sufficient security forces and the proper collection of forensic evidence. The Commission identified patterns of sexual violence, with Israeli women disproportionately subjected to these crimes.

Concerning Israel's military operations in Gaza, the Commission concluded that Israel committed war crimes, crimes against humanity, and violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws. The intentional use of heavy weapons in densely populated areas, resulting in civilian casualties and widespread destruction of vital infrastructure, was deemed unlawful.

Among its recommendations, the Commission called for an immediate end to attacks resulting in the killing and maiming of civilians in Gaza, the lifting of the siege on Gaza, and the implementation of a ceasefire. It also called for the release of all hostages, protection against sexual and gender-based violence, and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights laws.

Israel, however, rejected the findings of the Commission, alleging systematic anti-Israeli discrimination and political bias.

The report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council's 56th session on 19 June 2024 in Geneva, accompanied by two additional documents providing findings on the 7 October attack in Israel and Israel's military operations in Gaza until the end of 2023.