In a report released on Tuesday, the organization concluded that zionist forces conducted disproportionate airstrikes resulting in the deaths of Palestinian civilians, including children. The offensive, which occurred in early May, witnessed the unlawful destruction of Palestinian homes by the zionist occupation regime, often without military necessity, amounting to collective punishment against the civilian population, according to Amnesty International.

"We have heard vivid accounts of bombs obliterating homes, of fathers digging their little girls out from under rubble, and of a teenager fatally injured as she lay in bed holding a teddy bear. More frightening than any of this is the near certainty that, unless perpetrators are held to account, these horrifying scenes will be repeated," said Heba Morayef, Middle East and North Africa Regional Director at Amnesty International.

Amnesty International specifically examined nine israeli airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties and the damage or destruction of residential buildings in the Gaza Strip. One instance highlighted was the first night of bombing on May 9, during which precision-guided bombs targeted three senior Al-Quds Brigades commanders, leading to the death of 10 Palestinian civilians and injuring at least 20 others. These attacks were carried out in densely populated urban areas at 2 a.m., suggesting that those responsible anticipated and possibly disregarded the disproportionate harm to civilians, stated Amnesty International.

“In our investigation, we heard vivid accounts of bombs obliterating homes, of fathers digging their little girls out from under rubble, and of a teenager fatally injured as she lay in bed holding a teddy bear. More frightening than any of this is the near certainty that, unless perpetrators are held to account, these horrifying scenes will be repeated,” emphasized Morayef.

The intentional launch of disproportionate attacks, a recurring pattern documented by Amnesty International in previous Israeli operations, is considered a war crime.

Amnesty International further pointed out that israel's continued impunity for war crimes committed against Palestinians, along with its ongoing 16-year illegal blockade of the Gaza Strip, contributes to further violations and perpetuates chronic injustice.

The organization concluded that the unlawful attacks on Palestinian homes and the long-standing blockade are integral parts of israel's apartheid system against Palestinians, which constitute the crime against humanity of apartheid under both the Apartheid Convention and the Rome Statute.

The call for a thorough investigation into the Gaza offensive by Amnesty International adds to the growing international scrutiny surrounding the conflict, seeking accountability for violations of international law and human rights. (ILKHA)