Over 25,500 Palestinians Killed Amid Lack of Accountability

A boy walks through a destroyed neighbourhood in Gaza City.

The situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a human-made disaster.

This report covers events between 1 November 2024 and 31 October 2025, highlighting Israel’s disregard for human rights in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as serious violations by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.

Evidence gathered by my Office shows a consistent pattern of gross human rights abuses, serious violations of international humanitarian law, and atrocity crimes that remain unpunished.

Israel’s attacks on residential buildings and makeshift tents, destroying entire neighbourhoods, caused mass civilian deaths. Over 25,500 Palestinians were killed, including entire families, and more than 68,800 were injured during this period. Many journalists were also among the dead, with 292 verified killed in Israeli operations since 7 October 2023.

Israeli militarization of humanitarian aid contributed to large-scale killings. Between late May and 8 October 2025, 2,435 Palestinians were killed by the Israeli military near food collection points, mostly young men and boys.

In August 2025, famine was declared in Gaza, affecting more than half a million people. At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died from starvation, a direct result of Israel blocking humanitarian aid.

Israeli forces continued to target medical and humanitarian personnel and carried out mass arrests across Gaza and the West Bank, including arbitrary detentions and enforced disappearances. Since 7 October 2023, 89 Palestinians have died in Israeli custody. Torture and other ill-treatment remain widespread.

Operations destroyed roughly 80 percent of Gaza’s civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, cultural sites, and water treatment plants. Palestinians were forcibly displaced into shrinking areas, while Hamas and other armed groups continued to hold hostages in violation of international law.

Fifty-one hostages seized on 7 October 2023 were later released, recounting traumatic ordeals including sexual violence, torture, beatings, and prolonged underground confinement.

Armed groups affiliated with Hamas reportedly executed 12 Palestinians linked to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Israeli forces launched Operation Iron Wall in the northern West Bank in January 2025, displacing 32,000 Palestinians.

Palestinian security forces also used disproportionate force, resulting in at least eight deaths and more than 300 arbitrary detentions and cases of ill-treatment.

The ceasefire of 11 October 2025 provided temporary relief, but attacks continued. Since then, more than 600 Palestinians have been killed and 1,600 injured in Gaza. Hamas has also been responsible for at least 80 killings, mostly summary executions and clashes. Gaza now has the highest per-capita number of amputee children in the world.

Israeli destruction of civilian infrastructure and restrictions on humanitarian aid continue. At least 11 children have died from hypothermia since the ceasefire, and 37 aid groups were suspended in Gaza, including UNRWA operations, violating international law.

In the West Bank, land expropriation and security measures are expanding Israeli control, threatening Palestinian self-determination. Since 7 October 2023, Israeli forces have killed 1,020 Palestinians, raising concerns about forced demographic changes and ethnic cleansing.

The absence of accountability for these violations is deeply troubling. Sanctions against International Criminal Court judges and the Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory obstruct justice.

Meaningful reconstruction and lasting peace require focus on human rights. Steps must include accountability for violations, recognition of Palestinian self-determination, equal security and justice, and central roles for civil society and human rights defenders.

Understanding and reconciliation between Palestinian and Israeli communities are essential. The international community must act decisively to address the root causes of the conflict and support a sustainable, equitable, and peaceful coexistence.