Geneva, Switzerland - June 11, 2024

Storyline:
U.N. Human Rights Office Spokesman Jeremy Laurence on Tuesday expressed profound shock at the heavy civilian casualties resulting from Israel's hostage rescue operation in the war-ravaged Gaza Strip over the weekend, noting that such action by the Israeli forces may constitute a war crime.

Israeli forces on Saturday rescued four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. The operation left 274 Palestinians dead and 698 others wounded, according to Hamas-run health authorities.

During a press briefing, Laurence described the Israeli military's operation as "disastrous" due to the involvement of innocent civilians, stating that this action by the Israeli forces may amount to a war crime.

Besides, the spokesman also stated that Hamas' act of holding hostages in densely populated areas may similarly be deemed a war crime.

Shotlist:
Geneva, Switzerland - June 11, 2024
1. Exterior of Palais des Nations, flags;
2. Press briefing in progress;
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Laurence, spokesman, U.N. Human Rights Office:
"The manner in which the raid was conducted in such a densely populated area seriously calls into question whether the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution -- as set out under the laws of war -- were respected by the Israeli forces.";
4. Reporters;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Laurence, spokesman, U.N. Human Rights Office:
"Furthermore, by holding hostages in such densely populated areas, the armed groups doing so are putting the lives of Palestinian civilians, as well as the hostages themselves, at added risk from the hostilities. All these actions, by both parties, may amount to war crimes.";
Gaza Strip - June 8, 2024
6. Various of damaged buildings, ruins after Israeli airstrike on Nuseirat refugee camp, Palestinian civilians.

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