The United Nations human rights office (OHCHR) stated on Wednesday that Palestinians continue to be killed and injured by Israeli drone and airstrikes months after the nominal ceasefire in Gaza began. The attacks have specifically targeted the enclave's police force, which is essential for peace and reconstruction efforts.
Systematic Targeting of Law Enforcement
OHCHR outlined what it described as "repeated attacks" and "routine targeting" of police personnel in Gaza. According to the office, officers have been killed while directing traffic, patrolling streets, and monitoring crowded markets. Since January 2026, OHCHR has recorded at least 12 attacks against police, resulting in the deaths of over 53 civilians, including 35 police personnel, five boys, and one woman. Four attacks occurred in May alone, killing 12 police workers.
Collapse of Civic Order
Mayy El Sheikh, OHCHR spokesperson in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasized that this "systematic targeting" of key public institutions and workers has led to a collapse of civic and public order since the Hamas-led terror attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 sparked the war. She noted that as the occupying power, Israel is obligated under international law to ensure civic and public order for Palestinians under occupation. Targeting police, unless they are directly participating in attacks or hostilities, would amount to war crimes.
Concerns Over Distinction
The UN office raised concerns that the pattern of attacks indicates Israeli forces are not distinguishing between police personnel and fighters from armed groups in Gaza. Ajith Sunghay, Head of OHCHR in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stated, "Nearly eight months have passed since the announcement of a ceasefire, and there is no end in sight for the killings, the turmoil, and the misery."
Ceasefire Fails to Bring Safety
According to the UN, the notional ceasefire between Hamas and the Israeli military has not brought safety for many. Displacement orders continue to be issued, and Israeli forces are destroying what remains of the built environment. Ms. El Sheikh told UN News, "Gaza remains suspended in a nightmare that is difficult to reconcile with the existence of a ceasefire." She added that Palestinians are living on a small fraction of the land, encircled by Israeli ground forces that continue to push into communities, shrinking the space available to civilians.
