GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Council of Palestinian Human Rights Organizations has condemned the growing activity of armed militias operating in areas under Israeli military control or protection in the Gaza Strip, warning that they pose a direct threat to civilians and undermine what remains of public order and the rule of law in the enclave.
In a statement on Thursday, the Council said incidents documented in recent months reveal an escalating pattern of crimes and abuses carried out by these groups under the cover or protection of Israeli occupation forces.
The documented cases include the killing of civilians in several parts of Gaza, most recently a man in Al-Maghazi who was tortured and severely mutilated. The groups have also been accused of abducting Palestinians and forcibly taking them to areas controlled by Israeli forces or located nearby.
The Council said civilians and paramedics were detained on Salah al-Din Road while carrying out humanitarian work on June 10.
Armed groups also raided residential areas and displacement camps, including a shelter and school in Al-Mawasi on June 14, and seized control of some humanitarian aid routes.
It warned that the groups are increasingly targeting people protected under international humanitarian law, including civilians, displaced families, medical workers and humanitarian personnel.
The Council said Israel bears legal responsibility as the occupying power and the authority exercising effective control over the areas where these armed groups operate, particularly when they act under Israeli protection or with its assistance.
It called on the United Nations, states party to the Geneva Conventions and relevant international bodies to take urgent action to halt the groups’ activities, cut off their sources of support and protection, and open independent investigations into the alleged crimes.
The Council also urged the international community to reject attempts to use local armed militias to control Gaza’s civilian population or impose new security and political arrangements outside Palestinian law and national will.
It called for accountability for anyone involved in creating, financing, arming or providing political and military cover to the groups, warning that their continued activity could deepen chaos and obstruct efforts to restore the rule of law and rebuild Palestinian institutions.
