United Nations: Israel "war crimes" claim in hostage rescue

The United Nations has said that the civilian death toll incurred during Israel's rescue of hostages in Gaza last week could amount to war crimes. Gazan health officials state that at least 274 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces at the Nuseirat refugee camp, in an operation that led to the release of four Israeli citizens. 

UN human rights officials say they are "profoundly shocked" at the figure, although they added that "by holding hostages in such densely populated areas, (Hamas) is putting the lives of Palestinian civilians ... at added risk."

In response, Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations accused the body's High Commissioner of "slandering Israel." The mission claimed "The toll of this war on civilians is first and foremost the product of Hamas's deliberate strategy to maximize civilian harm." 

The Secretary General of the UN reiterated calls for a two-state solution to end the conflict. Antonio Gutterres described the two-state deal as "the only way forward", urging member states to "work to keep that a reality." 

Meanwhile the UN Security Council voted to support a U.S. resolution to end the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Fourteen of the fifteen council members voted in favour of the proposal, which sets out terms for a "full and complete ceasefire." Only Russia abstained. 

The three-phase deal would see Israeli forces withdraw from all densely populated areas of Gaza in return for a mutual hostage exchange and also allow for six hundred aid trucks to arrive in the Gaza Strip daily. The second phase would secure a "permanent end to hostilities." 

This means the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final stage promises a major reconstruction of the region, which faces decades of rebuilding after the bombardment. 

Hamas has said it is ready to negotiate on the terms of the offer. Israel, however, says the war will continue until all of its hostages are released and Gaza "doesn't pose a threat …in the future."

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Tel Aviv, where he has been speaking with the families of Israeli hostages still in captivity. Speaking prior to meeting Arab leaders in Jordan, Blinken said he believed there is a "strong consensus" in Israel to move forward the ceasefire plan.

Former Israeli War Council member Benny Gantz has urged the U.S. to apply "maximum pressure" on Hamas to reach a hostage deal as part of the ceasefire. Meeting with Blinken, Gantz, who dramatically quit the Israeli cabinet on Sunday, said he would "support any responsible arrangement on the matter."

Four Israeli soldiers have been killed in southern Gaza. Israeli military says the men died, and seven others were wounded, in an explosion at a three-story building in Rafah. 

The death toll is continuing to rise across Gaza as the Israeli military carries out raids and air strikes. Eight civilians, including children, have been killed in a single strike on an apartment building in Gaza City.

Three Hezbollah members have been killed in northern Lebanon. Israel is continuing cross border strikes on what it says are military compounds in "response to the downing of an IDF drone" on Monday. 

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