The GBU-31, GBU-32 and GBU-39 are mainly used to penetrate multiple layers of concrete and can completely collapse tall structures, according to a UN report.
“Given the population density of the target area, the use of these wide-area effect weapons is likely to result in indiscriminate attacks,” he added.
“Explosive weapons with such wide-area effects cannot be aimed at specific military targets in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, nor can their effects be limited, resulting in attacks on military, civilian, and civilian targets without distinction.”
The report said no special warnings had been issued prior to the five attacks and that the presence of one commander, multiple combatants or multiple military targets in an area “does not make an entire neighborhood a military target.”
“The requirement to choose means and methods of warfare that avoid or at least minimize civilian harm appears to have been consistently violated in Israel’s bombing campaign,” said Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
He called on Israel to make public the detailed results of the IDF investigation into the six incidents “to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the violations and ensure the rights to truth, justice and compensation for all victims.”
The Israeli delegation in Geneva condemned the report., Out“It suffers from hindsight and methodological biases that cast a shadow over the reliability of legal assessments,” he said.
“The sole purpose of this thematic report is to harshly condemn Israel while further protecting Hamas terrorists in Gaza,” he added.
They also argued that the conclusions were based on public information and data released by Hamas, overlooked operational considerations, and did not address Hamas' tactics.
“Hamas systematically and illegally deploys military assets in populated areas and conducts military activities among, behind, and under civilians in a deliberate and strategic attempt to maximize civilian casualties,” he said. “He also cynically manipulates casualty statistics.”
“Israel is committed to complying with its obligations under domestic and international law, in particular the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution,” he added.
