UN human rights expert calls Israeli army ‘most criminal in the world’
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As the Israeli military aggression continues in Gaza, defying all the internationally set human rights norms, Chris Sidoti, the UN human rights expert, called the Israeli military one of the most criminal armies in the world, highlighting the incident of the Israeli army using a Palestinian youth as a 'human shield.’
In a press briefing at the United Nations, Chris Sidoti said, “The Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world.”
The incident, captured in viral footage, depicts a young Palestinian man allegedly abducted and strapped to an Israeli military vehicle in Jenin, West Bank. Identified as Mujahid Raed Abbadi, 24, he reportedly suffered injuries during the ordeal, which has sparked international outcry and renewed calls for accountability.
According to Hamas reports published on June 22, 2024, the ongoing war in Gaza has seen over 260 days of what they term a "genocidal war," with staggering casualty figures. The report claims over 47,551 Palestinian civilians were killed, including 15,821 children, and thousands more were injured or displaced. Destruction of infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and mosques, has also been extensive, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
International reactions have varied, with condemnation from human rights organizations and calls for UN intervention to investigate alleged war crimes. However, responses from key global powers, including the United States, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, have been limited, reflecting geopolitical complexities.
Israeli officials acknowledged operational errors in specific incidents but have denied accusations of systemic abuses, framing actions within the context of ongoing security operations against Hamas.
The war toll on civilians, particularly children and vulnerable populations, has drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian agencies, citing widespread suffering exacerbated by shortages of medical supplies and essential services. Reports of mass detentions, targeting of healthcare personnel, and destruction of vital infrastructure underscore the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Efforts for ceasefire negotiations mediated by international actors have yielded limited progress, with sporadic escalations continuing to claim lives and further destabilize the region. The United Nations Security Council remains divided on formal resolutions, reflecting broader geopolitical rifts and the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
As the conflict enters its tenth month, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with humanitarian organizations warning of a looming catastrophe if immediate aid and intervention are not prioritized.