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The United Nations has publicly criticized both Israel and Hamas for their roles in the intensifying conflict affecting civilians in Gaza.

The UN group of humanitarian experts strongly condemned the “horrific crimes” by Hamas, particularly highlighting “the deliberate and widespread killing and hostage-taking of innocent civilians.” They labeled such actions as severe violations of international law, urging prompt accountability.

Simultaneously, they denounced Israel’s military operations in Gaza, expressing concerns for the “over 2.3 million people, nearly half of whom are children,” who have suffered under the blockade for years and faced multiple wars. The experts stated, “This amounts to collective punishment.” They emphasized that both parties’ actions that harm innocent civilians are “absolutely prohibited under international law and amounts to a war crime.”

The ongoing blockade has exacerbated the situation in Gaza, with more than 650,000 residents facing a water shortage and hospitals running low on medical supplies and power. Israel’s Energy Minister, Israel Katz, publicly declined the influx of aid into Gaza, stating on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, “Humanitarian for humanitarian. And no one will preach us morals.”

This stance comes even as organizations, including the Red Cross, sound alarms over the region’s deteriorating situation. The Red Cross’s regional director, Fabrizio Carboni, noted the dire condition: “Without electricity, hospitals risk turning into morgues.”