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IBAHRI condemns renewed Gaza shelling

The International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has condemned Israel’s renewed airstrikes and shelling of Gaza.

With reports of almost 600 people killed since shelling resumed on 17 March, the estimated number of Palestinian fatalities is over 50,000.

A further 562 Palestinians are reported injured.

War crimes

IBAHRI stated: “The grievous war crimes committed by Hamas on 7 October 2023 were a heinous violation of international law.

“The taking of hostages is a contravention of international humanitarian law (IHL), which continues to be committed by Hamas. IBAHRI denounces these actions and the horrific atrocities of October 2023”.

However, despite the violations of Hamas, Israel too must abide by IHL, IBAHRI said.

It views the Israeli air strikes as an egregious act following reports that defenceless Palestinian people who had been returning to Gaza since the ceasefire began on 19 January were targeted, as well as evacuation centres where many women and children were killed.