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An international human rights organization has accused Israel of pursuing a systematic policy of targeting civilians in the Gaza Strip, including attacks on UN-designated shelter centres and humanitarian zones. The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, in a report released Tuesday, detailed multiple incidents of Israeli strikes on facilities housing displaced Palestinians.
The Geneva-based monitor alleges that Israel is deliberately targeting schools operated by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which serve as shelter centres in Gaza. This strategy, according to Euro-Med, appears aimed at destabilizing the entire region and denying displaced Palestinians any form of secure refuge.
Euro-Med also reported the destruction of all UNRWA school shelter centres in Jabalia and its refugee camp during last month’s Israeli invasion.
The human rights monitor argues that these attacks violate the distinction, necessity, and proportionality principles in warfare. The targeting of UN-flagged facilities and the high civilian death toll, they claim, shows a disregard for precautions meant to prevent civilian casualties.
Israel has faced growing international criticism for its actions in Gaza, including its apparent disregard for a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza and to halt its military operations in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge.
As the conflict enters its eighth month, vast areas of Gaza lie in ruins. A severe blockade has restricted access to essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medicine. According to the report, at least 37,658 people have been killed and 86,237 wounded since the conflict began on October 7.
The ongoing violence and mounting civilian casualties have drawn condemnation from various international bodies and human rights organizations. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has also criticized Israel for the killing of an aid worker, Fadi al-Wadiya, along with five others including three children, in a separate incident in Gaza City.