The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has reported that all parties involved in the conflict in the region are systematically and intentionally committing serious violations of human rights laws against Palestinians. Commission Chair Srinivasan Muralidhar stated, “Settler violence is a direct consequence of Israeli policies that enable, facilitate, and protect Israeli actions. Hamas-affiliated forces have exploited the vacuum created by Israel’s relentless attacks and the widespread destruction of Gaza.” Muralidhar added, “What is horrifyingly similar is the intent to inflict suffering on Palestinian civilians. While their origins and motivations differ, both operate within environments created by Israel.”
Settlements, Annexation, and Displacement
The report highlights a continuous rise in settler attacks in the West Bank, noting that at least seven Palestinians were killed and 832 injured last year, marking a 130% increase compared to 2024. Israeli authorities were found to be directly involved in settler attacks by providing financial and military support and granting impunity from prosecution. The report states that settler violence functions “as a tool to implement Israeli state policy, with both the State and violent settler groups working towards the same strategic goals: the consolidation of Israeli settlements, the annexation of Palestinian territory, and the expulsion of Palestinians from their land.” The Commission documented numerous instances of settlers attacking, abducting, and abusing Palestinian children who were playing, going to school, or herding livestock.
Sexual Violence Used to Instill Fear
Settlers have also employed sexual violence or threats of sexual violence against Palestinians to instill fear and humiliate them. In March, a group of settlers attacked Palestinians in Khirbeit Humsa. Women and girls were beaten, and threats of rape were made if the family did not leave their land. The report details, “One man was stripped, sexually assaulted, had his genitals tied with a rope, and was dragged and paraded while being beaten.” Although Israeli police reported seven arrests, the Commission has “no information about any investigation or legal outcome.”
Executions and Violence in Gaza
In Gaza, the Commission identified 249 cases of executions and severe physical violence between 2024 and 2025, resulting in at least 108 deaths and 384 injuries. The report included executions presented as punishment for alleged complicity, looting of humanitarian aid, theft, drug offenses, or ties with internal rivals, as well as bone-breaking with metal pipes or cement bricks, and beatings. Hamas-affiliated forces were involved in at least 60 incidents, including two instances where 11 men were publicly executed. The rapporteurs stated these acts constitute war crimes of murder and torture and violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. Muralidhar expressed deep concern that Hamas’s punitive measures in Gaza were causing significant harm to an already severely traumatized civilian population due to their severity and public nature. He added that any future framework for peace and stability must include a clear and actionable commitment to accountability.
Attacks on Israeli Civilians
Rapporteurs also pointed to a significant increase in killings and injuries of Israeli civilians by Palestinian armed groups and individuals in 2023, expressing serious concerns that these attacks constitute a violation of the principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. The report’s findings underscore the need for the protection of civilians and accountability for violations committed by all parties. The report will be presented to the Human Rights Council at its 62nd session in Geneva on June 15. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel was established by the Council in May 2021. None of the three Commissioners are UN staff members and do not receive payment for their work.
