UN experts have raised urgent concerns regarding alleged human rights abuses against Palestinian women and girls in Gaza and the occupied West Bank since the escalation of hostilities in early October. In a statement, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported receiving disturbing accounts of Palestinian women and girls “arbitrarily executed” alongside family members, including children, during recent military operations in Gaza.

UN officials expressed deep dismay at reports indicating deliberate targeting and extrajudicial killings of Palestinian women and children. According to testimonies, some victims held white flags or cloths as they sought safety or tried to flee yet were reportedly attacked by Israeli forces or affiliated groups.

This latest phase of violence began following an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, which left over 1,100 dead and resulted in hundreds being taken hostage. Israel’s military response has involved intense airstrikes and a ground invasion of Gaza, which Palestinian authorities claim has led to over 29,000 deaths and displaced nearly 80% of the territory's population.

Meanwhile, the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem have seen a rise in Israeli raids, leading to further casualties and arrests among Palestinians. UN experts emphasize the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians, particularly vulnerable women and children, as the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen across the region.