United Nations Radio

Human Rights experts have expressed deep alarm at the continuing violence in Gaza.

Children in Gaza

The coordinating body for independent UN human rights experts in a statement Friday called on all parties to immediately cease all actions that result in civilian casualties, or put them at great risk.

The experts say both air strikes by Israeli Government forces and rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel are resulting in inexcusable loss of life and placing the civilian populations in the affected areas in extreme danger.

They say the use of disproportionate force by Israel and the lack of regard for the life of civilians on both sides cannot be justified by the actions of the other party, saying such actions constitute clear violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law.

The human rights experts say they are particularly concerned at the impact of the current violence and destruction of vital infrastructure on the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

They call on all parties to immediately ensure full access to humanitarian actors and supplies and enable them to carry out their work of distributing food, treating the sick and injured, and guaranteeing the provision of essential energy and sanitation.

The experts stressed that international human rights law continues to apply and that it imposes binding obligations on all parties in situations of armed conflict.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'16")