A group of UN experts has warned that Israel’s continued violations of the Gaza ceasefire are putting the fragile truce at serious risk. They called on all States to step in immediately to stop attacks on civilians and ensure that humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, reaches Gaza without obstruction.
The experts expressed deep concern over repeated breaches since the ceasefire was announced on 11 October. According to reports cited by them, Israel has carried out at least 393 violations, killing 339 Palestinians, including more than 70 children, and injuring over 871 people. The airstrikes on 28 October were described as the deadliest night since the truce began, leaving 104 Palestinians dead.
Despite the ceasefire, gunfire, artillery shelling and airstrikes have been reported across all five governorates in Gaza. The experts said these ongoing attacks represent a “clear and blatant violation” of the agreement and urged the international community to apply stronger pressure to protect civilian lives.
Humanitarian access remains severely limited. Only two of six border crossings have reopened, and the number of aid trucks entering Gaza has never reached the target of 600 per day, often staying below half that figure. Major hospitals are functioning only partially due to lack of resources, equipment and repairs.
The experts criticised the failure to ensure that UN agencies like UNRWA and OCHA directly manage and distribute aid, as required by international law. They stressed that continued restrictions are unacceptable.
Violence has also escalated in the occupied West Bank, where armed settlers and soldiers are intensifying attacks on Palestinian civilians and property. Meanwhile, the Israeli Parliament is reportedly advancing legislation to extend Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank, a move the experts say would amount to de jure annexation, which is strictly prohibited under international law.
They also urged immediate implementation of the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion, which calls for dismantling the Israeli occupation and its system of segregation and apartheid.
While acknowledging the ceasefire, the experts noted the absence of justice and accountability in the current arrangement and in the peace plan proposed by the United States. “There can be no lasting peace without accountability for the crimes committed since 7 October 2023,” they said.
The experts warned that peace initiatives which allow one side to retain militarised control will only deepen occupation rather than end it. Over 58 per cent of Gaza reportedly remains under Israeli military control, with 40 active Israeli sites still operating beyond the agreed withdrawal line.
They expressed concern that the Security Council’s proposal for an International Stabilization Force (ISF) working alongside Israel and Egypt could replicate or worsen the security model seen in the West Bank, which has entrenched long-term occupation.
The experts urged UN Member States to take decisive action to stop ongoing violations and protect civilians in occupied Palestine. They outlined several urgent steps, including:
• Ensuring safe humanitarian access through UN-supervised land and sea corridors, along with temporary housing before winter.
• Opening corridors to the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Israel for the wounded, elderly, disabled persons, pregnant women and children.
• Imposing sanctions on Israel for continued violations of international law.
• Enforcing a comprehensive arms embargo on Israel.
• Allowing full media access throughout the occupied territories, including Gaza.
• Enabling independent international investigations into civilian killings and ensuring prosecutions under universal jurisdiction.
• Considering a UN-led international intervention if attacks continue and the humanitarian crisis worsens.
The experts concluded that urgent global action is needed to restore peace, protect civilians and uphold international law.
Subscribe Deshwale on YouTube
