The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned again of serious violations, amounting to war crimes, being committed by both sides in Gaza, writes BBC.

Volker Türk urged Israel and Hamas to seek peace and to stop punishing civilians.

“Any use by Palestinian armed groups of civilians and civilian objects to shield themselves from attack is in contravention of the laws of war. But such contact by Palestinian armed groups does not absolve Israel of its obligation to ensure civilians are spared, that the principles of distinction, precaution in attack, and proportionality are respected”.

Türk said the “atrocious attacks by Hamas against Israel on 7 October should outrage each and every one of us”. The hostages must be released, the rockets attacks must stop, he said.

“But it is clear that enduring peace and security cannot be delivered by the exercise of fury and pain against people who have no responsibility for the crimes that were committed”.