June Overview

Palestinian civilians in Gaza continue to face significant threats to their life, security and property as a result of hostilities between Palestinian armed groups and Israeli forces. June witnessed a significant increase in armed hostilities, resulting in the deaths of 15 Palestinians, including five civilians, over 50 civilian injuries, and damage sustained to property, including schools. During the escalation, Palestinian armed factions, including Hamas, shot rockets and mortar shells indiscriminately at multiple locations in southern Israel, resulting in the death of an Israeli soldier, and the injury of another. Palestinian rocket fire that fell short of their intended targets also caused the deaths of two Palestinian children. Under international humanitarian law (IHL), all parties to a conflict should ensure that civilians are, to the extent possible, protected from the effects of hostilities and must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution in attack.