Fatshimetrie: A Human Tragedy in Gaza
The situation in Gaza remains extremely worrying, with scenes of despair and mourning multiplying day by day. A poignant photo of a woman holding the body of her child, victim of an Israeli strike on a school housing displaced Palestinians, embodies the blind violence raging in the region. A majority of women and children are the main victims of this conflict between Israel and Hamas, representing nearly 70% of the deaths recorded in the Gaza Strip between November 2023 and April 2024, according to an alarming report from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
This report reveals a dark picture of the violations of international law perpetrated during this war, suggesting acts that could be described as war crimes, crimes against humanity or even genocide. Of the more than 34,500 people killed in the first six months of the conflict, nearly 70 per cent were children and women, a devastating statistic that reflects the disproportionate violence against civilians.
The flagrant disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law, such as distinction and proportionality, highlights the cruelty of the indiscriminate attacks against civilians in Gaza. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has strongly condemned these violations, stressing the unacceptable nature of this situation that has persisted for far too long.
The figures presented in this report reveal the extent of the damage caused by Israeli strikes on residential buildings, the homes of thousands of innocent families. Nearly 80 per cent of verified deaths occurred during attacks on these homes, causing a horrific number of civilian casualties.
The report also highlights that Israeli operations have largely affected the general population of Gaza, contradicting claims that these actions were justified by a supposed military target. The devastating impact of this war on civilians is undeniable, making Gaza the scene of a humanitarian tragedy that continues to worsen.
Faced with this alarming reality, it is imperative that the international community act urgently to put an end to this spiral of violence and horror that continues to strike Gaza. Concrete measures must be taken to ensure the protection of civilians and bring justice to the innocent victims of this deadly conflict. It is time to act, to strongly condemn these heinous crimes and to do everything possible to prevent further tragedies in Gaza and other regions plagued by armed conflict.