A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has accused Israel of actively obstructing its efforts to collect evidence from victims and first-hand witnesses of Hamas’ attacks in southern Israel on October 7. The commission stated that the Israeli government has not only shown a lack of cooperation but has also engaged in active obstruction of their efforts.
Commissioner Chris Sidoti expressed the challenges faced by the commission in receiving evidence from Israeli witnesses and victims of the events in southern Israel. The UN Commission of Inquiry has been gathering evidence of war crimes committed by all parties involved in the conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories since October 7, 2023.
During a UN briefing for diplomats in Geneva, organized by Egypt, Sidoti appealed to the Israeli government to cooperate with the commission's efforts. He also urged victims and witnesses of the events in southern Israel to come forward and contact the commission. Sidoti emphasized the importance of gathering as much information as possible to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
The commission acknowledged that while they have been in contact with many individuals, they are seeking to reach out to more witnesses and victims to provide a complete picture of the events that transpired. The call for cooperation from the Israeli government and the public is crucial in facilitating a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged war crimes.
