UN accuses Israel and Hamas of war crimes

By Nathan Morley 

There was no mincing of words -- Volker Türk said war crimes had been committed by both Israel and Hamas since the current conflict erupted.

He said the atrocities committed by Palestinian armed groups on 7 October were heinous, they were war crimes - as is the continued holding of hostages. He added, the collective punishment by Israel of Palestinian civilians was also a war crime, as is unlawful forcible evacuation of civilians.

Earlier this week, the G7 group of nations - including the United States and Britain –called for "humanitarian pauses" in the fighting in Gaza.

A statement from foreign ministers meeting in Japan recognized Israel's right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

They said humanitarian pauses would allow more aid into Gaza and permit more civilians to leave the enclave.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already rejected any suggestion of a ceasefire insisting it would allow Hamas to regroup - but has said he would consider "tactical little pauses".

Separately, the United States says it would oppose a reoccupation of Gaza by Israel's military when the conflict ends.

Meanwhile, all humanitarian agencies working in the besieged territory have been drawing attention to the dire condition’s civilians are enduring.

Israel began bombarding Gaza after Hamas killed more than 1,400 people in Israel and abducted more than 200 others.

The Hamas-run health ministry says more than 10,000 people have been killed since 7 October.