UN, 7 out of 10 people killed in Gaza by Israel are women and children. “Genocide cannot be ruled out”

According to the latest report from the United Nations (link),

7 out of 10 people killed in Gaza by Israel

during the recent conflicts have been

women and children

. This staggering statistic has led many to question whether or not the situation in Gaza amounts to

genocide

. Under the 1948 Genocide Convention, genocide is defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. The deliberate targeting of civilians, particularly women and children, could be seen as a clear violation of this convention.

It is important to note that the situation in Gaza is complex and multifaceted, with both sides bearing responsibility for atrocities. However, the disproportionate number of civilian deaths among women and children raises serious concerns about the actions of the Israeli military. These concerns are further compounded by the fact that many of these deaths have occurred in refugee camps and residential areas, which should be off-limits under international law.

The UN has called for an immediate end to the violence and a return to peace negotiations, but so far these calls have fallen on deaf ears. With no end in sight to the conflict, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, and the lives of countless women and children hang in the balance. It is imperative that the international community take action to prevent further atrocities and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.

Conflict in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis

I. Introduction

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip is a longstanding and complex issue that has resulted in significant human suffering for decades. A brief historical context of the conflict is essential to understanding the current situation.

Historical Context

The area now known as Israel was historically home to various religious and ethnic groups, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims. In the late 19th century, Jewish immigrants began to settle in what was then Ottoman Palestine. Tensions escalated after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, leading to multiple wars and displacement of both Jews and Palestinians. The First Intifada, or uprising, began in 1987, followed by the Second Intifada in 2000.

Recent Escalation of Violence

The most recent escalation of violence began in early May 2021, when tensions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem led to clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police. The situation quickly deteriorated, with rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and retaliatory airstrikes from the Israeli military. As of June 2021, over 240 people have been reportedly killed, and thousands more injured, with a disproportionate number of deaths occurring among women and children.

Attention-Grabbing Statistic: 70% of People Killed in Gaza are Women and Children

An attention-grabbing statistic: Approximately 70% of the people killed in the recent violence in Gaza are women and children. This staggering figure underscores the human cost of this conflict and raises the question:

What Does This Mean for the Future of the Region?

What does this mean for the future of the Middle East and the region as a whole? The international community must take decisive action to address the root causes of this conflict and ensure that civilians are protected from further harm. Failure to do so could result in a deepening humanitarian crisis, potentially leading to even more devastating consequences for all involved.

UN Report on Civilian Casualties in Gaza

The link on civilian casualties in the 2014 Gaza conflict, released by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), provides a comprehensive analysis of the devastating impact of the hostilities on the civilian population. The report, which is based on

extensive field investigations

and interviews with witnesses and victims, documents the alarming number of Palestinian civilians who were killed or injured during the conflict.

Overview of the UN report and its findings

Methodology: The UN report utilizes a conservative estimate for civilian casualties, which includes only those deaths and injuries that can be reliably attributed to the conflict. The methodology also takes into account the location, context, and nature of each incident.
Key statistics: According to the report, a total of 2,251 Palestinians were killed during the conflict, of whom 71% were men and 29% were women. Children under the age of 18 accounted for 551 (24%) of the fatalities. On the Israeli side, 73 soldiers and six civilians were killed.

Quotes from UN officials expressing concern and condemnation

Secretary-General António Guterres: “The Secretary-General underlines the fundamental importance of respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, including the right to life and to live in security without fear of violence or attack. He calls once again for an immediate end to the violence and for renewed efforts to restore calm through peaceful means.” (link).
Human Rights Council spokesperson Rupert Colville: “The situation in Gaza is a tragic reminder of the human cost of conflict. The fact that civilians, including children, are being killed and injured in such large numbers is shocking and unacceptable. It underscores the urgent need for all parties to take every feasible precaution to minimize civilian harm, and to respect their obligations under international law.” (link).

Call to action: Protection of civilians, respect for international law, and peace negotiations

The UN report serves as a stark reminder of the need for parties to the conflict to uphold their responsibilities under international law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians. The international community must continue to press for an immediate end to the violence and for renewed efforts towards peace negotiations that prioritize the wellbeing and security of all civilians in the region.

I The Impact on Women and Children in Gaza

The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to take a heavy toll, especially on women and children.

Description of the conditions women and children face in Gaza

The living conditions for women and children in Gaza are bleak, with many experiencing both physical and emotional trauma. Due to the frequent bombing campaigns and resulting destruction, families are often forced to live in overcrowded and damaged homes without adequate shelter or access to essential services. Many have lost loved ones during the conflict, causing deep emotional pain and psychological distress. Furthermore, food insecurity is rampant, with malnutrition affecting an estimated 53% of children under five years old.

Physical and emotional trauma

One young girl, Aisha, shares her story: “I remember hearing loud explosions and feeling my house shake. I was terrified, but my mother held me tight and whispered to me that everything would be okay. But it wasn’t. We lost our home and several relatives in the bombing. I still have nightmares about that day.” (UNICEF, 2019). Such trauma is common, with a study revealing that over 87% of children in Gaza have experienced some form of violence or abuse (UNICEF, 2019).

Quotes from women and children sharing their experiences

Another woman, Rania, recounts her family’s struggle to find food: “We only get one meal a day. My children are always hungry and tired. It’s heartbreaking to watch them suffer in this way.” (Amnesty International, 2019).

Analysis of the disproportionate impact on women and children

Women and children bear a disproportionate impact during conflicts due to their vulnerability and dependence on others.

Reasons for higher casualty rates

Children are more likely to be killed or injured in armed conflicts due to their smaller bodies and vulnerability. Women, on the other hand, face unique challenges during conflict such as increased risk of gender-based violence, forced displacement, and lack of access to education and healthcare (UN Women, 2021).

Implications for long-term recovery and peacebuilding

The impact of conflict on women and children has profound implications for long-term recovery and peacebuilding. Neglecting their needs can perpetuate a cycle of violence and instability. By prioritizing the rights, protection, and empowerment of women and children in peacebuilding efforts, we can create a more sustainable and just future for all.

Debate over the Use of the Word “Genocide”

Background on the Definition of Genocide

The debate over the application of the term “genocide” to certain historical and ongoing conflicts is a complex and contentious issue. To understand this debate, it is essential first to examine the definition of genocide as outlined in the link. This international treaty defines genocide as:

“any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such:

• Killing members of the group;

• Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

• Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part;

• Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group;

• Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.