The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel has reported that Israeli authorities and forces committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, while continuing to commit genocidal acts in Gaza. The findings were presented to the United Nations General Assembly by Commission Chair S. Muralidhar, a former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court and Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of India.
` `According to the Commission's report, which examines killings and bodily and mental harm caused by state actors since 7 October 2023, the situation in the West Bank has deteriorated significantly. The Commission identified alleged crimes against humanity, including extermination, persecution, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence. It also reported age-based persecution against Palestinian children.
` `In Gaza, the Commission concluded that Israeli authorities and forces continued to commit genocidal acts even after the ceasefire agreement, with the intent to destroy Palestinians, in whole or in part. The report also raised concerns over the expansion of territorial control and the continued killing and injury of Palestinian civilians.
` `The Commission stated that military operations and settler violence in the West Bank formed part of a coordinated attack against Palestinians. It linked the pattern of violence to territorial expansion, displacement and the imposition of conditions that make civilian life increasingly unviable. These are findings of the Commission and should be distinguished from a final judicial determination by an international court.
` `The report recommends that Israel comply with the International Court of Justice's July 2024 advisory opinion, end its unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, remove settlers and settlements, reverse confiscation of Palestinian property, and return confiscated land to its owners. It also calls on the Palestinian Authority to stop targeting human rights defenders and ensure independent investigations into alleged violations by Palestinian security forces.
` `The report brings renewed attention to the obligations of states under international humanitarian law and international human rights law, as well as the importance of accountability for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. The Commission's findings and recommendations are distinct from binding judgments issued by an international court.
` `Source: United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel; UN report announcement dated 26 October 2026.
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