Use of Heavy Bombs in Densely‑Populated Areas

Between October and December 2023, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) focused on six emblematic strikes in civilian areas—markets, neighbourhoods, refugee camps and a school—resulting in at least 218 confirmed civilian deaths, with actual figures likely higher. These bombs included GBU‑31 (2,000 lb) munitions, whose wide-area impact in densely populated zones undeniably violated the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions under international humanitarian law. Such indiscriminate use of powerful weapons may amount to war crimes.

Bombardment of Residential Neighbourhoods

In July 2023, the assault on Shujaiya neighbourhood killed at least 55 civilians—including 19 children and 14 women—destroying 670 buildings and damaging another 1,200. The UN concluded that using heavy artillery and one-ton bombs in that densely populated urban setting was inherently indiscriminate and “could not...distinguish between civilians and military objectives”. This demonstrates systemic disregard for civilian life and likely constitutes a war crime.

Targeted Destruction of Residential Towers

On 31 October 2023, Israeli airstrikes flattened the Engineer’s Building in Nuseirat—a residential skyscraper sheltering at least 350 civilians—killing over 106 people, including 54 children. Human Rights Watch found no evidence of military targets, deeming the strike an “apparent war crime” due to the absence of distinction. The use of successive munitions within seconds highlights a deliberate assault on civilians.

Death in Shelters, Schools & Hospitals

In June 2025, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry declared that Israel committed the crime against humanity of “extermination”, specifically by bombing civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites. More than 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities have been destroyed; those who sought refuge within them were deliberately targeted. These actions blatantly breach the legal duties to distinguish between combatants and civilians.

International Law & War‑Crime Violations

The repeated use of explosive weapons in civilian areas violates Articles 48, 51, and 57 of Additional Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions. It also breaches core principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautions. The UN’s June 2024 thematic report concluded that Israel may have systematically violated these rules, rising to the level of crimes against humanity

Conclusion

These attacks epitomise a conduct of warfare that is indiscriminate—failing to separate civilians from combatants—and disproportionate, inflicting excessive civilian casualties for minimal or unclear military gain. Credible UN and HRW analyses repeatedly highlight the use of wide-area explosive force in densely populated civilian zones, with inadequate regard for civilian life — constituting serious violations under international humanitarian law and potential war crimes.

Boy sitting in the rubble of a destroyed UNRWA school in Nuseirat, Gaza (September 2024)

Image credit: University of Cambridge