A senior United Nations investigator has delivered one of the strongest public condemnations yet of Israel's military campaign in Gaza, describing the Israeli military as "one of the most criminal armies in the world" while presenting the findings of an independent UN inquiry.
Chris Sidoti, a commissioner with the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, made the remarks during a presentation in Geneva outlining the commission's latest investigation into alleged violations of international law during the Gaza war.
Sidoti's comments came in response to repeated statements by Israeli officials describing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as "one of the most moral armies in the world."
"I don't know whether it's one of the most moral armies in the world or not," Sidoti said. "But what I do have expertise in is making assessments of criminal conduct. And the only conclusion you can draw is that the Israeli army is one of the most criminal armies in the world."
UN Report Details Alleged Violations
The commission's report alleges widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law in the occupied Palestinian territory. According to the investigators, evidence points to extensive civilian casualties, large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure, displacement of populations, and actions that could amount to war crimes.
The report also examines the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including damage to hospitals, schools, residential neighborhoods, and other civilian facilities.
Importantly, the commission did not limit its criticism to Israel.
The report also accuses Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups of committing serious violations of international law, including attacks targeting civilians and the taking of hostages. Investigators said accountability should apply equally to all parties responsible for violations.
Israel Rejects the Findings
Israeli officials have strongly rejected the commission's conclusions, arguing that the inquiry is politically biased and unfairly targets Israel.
The Israeli government maintains that its military operations are directed against Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization, and says the IDF operates within the framework of international law while taking measures intended to minimize civilian casualties.
Israeli officials have also argued that Hamas embeds military infrastructure within civilian areas, creating complex battlefield conditions that increase the risk of civilian harm.
Accountability Efforts Continue
Sidoti said the commission's work is intended to support ongoing international accountability efforts, including investigations being conducted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international legal bodies.
As the conflict continues to draw international attention, legal experts, human rights organizations, governments, and international institutions remain deeply divided over the interpretation of events in Gaza and whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for war crimes or crimes against humanity.
The commission's latest findings are expected to intensify international debate over the conduct of the war and increase pressure for further investigations into alleged violations committed by all sides.
While Israel continues to reject the UN commission's conclusions, the report adds to a growing body of international scrutiny surrounding the conflict and underscores ongoing calls for accountability, transparency, and adherence to international humanitarian law.
Both Israel and Hamas continue to face allegations of serious violations, with international investigators emphasizing that accountability should be pursued regardless of the identity of those responsible.
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