Israeli forces have besieged al-Awda hospital in northern Gaza, leaving more than 240 people trapped inside, including children and babies. The hospital is surrounded by snipers, making it impossible to move between buildings, and leaving survivors corralled in a single building, sleeping far from windows and crawling on the floor to avoid being shot. The siege has resulted in a shortage of food, water, and medicine, with patients and staff facing imminent starvation and dehydration. This is part of an ongoing pattern of Israeli attacks on Gaza's health sector, including the bombing of other hospitals, ambulances, and medical staff. The international community's response to these war crimes has been limited, raising concerns about the growing tolerance for such atrocities.
British Palestinian surgeon Ghassan Abu Sitta, who volunteered with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza during the recent Israel-Hamas war, has given testimony to a British war crimes investigation unit. Abu Sitta's testimony focused on attacks on health facilities, including a deadly blast at al-Ahli hospital. He also treated patients with burn wounds consistent with white phosphorus shelling. Abu Sitta hopes the investigation will lead to prosecutions, and the International Criminal Court has prioritized a probe into possible crimes by both Hamas militants and Israeli forces.
A disturbing video has emerged showing Russian soldiers allegedly executing two surrendering Ukrainian troops near the town of Avdiivka. The footage, recorded by a drone, shows one soldier walking out with his hands up before being shot, followed by his comrade who is also shot at close range. The Ukrainian military confirmed the authenticity of the video and accused Russia of violating international law and committing war crimes. The Ukrainian General Prosecutor's office has launched a criminal investigation into the incident. This is not the first time that Russia has been accused of violating international law and customs of war in the conflict with Ukraine.
Amnesty International has documented unlawful Israeli attacks in Gaza, including indiscriminate attacks that have caused mass civilian casualties and must be investigated as war crimes. Israeli forces have shown a shocking disregard for civilian lives, pulverizing residential buildings and causing widespread destruction. The attacks have wiped out entire families and left Gaza facing a dire humanitarian crisis. The international community must act to prevent further violence and instability, impose an arms embargo, and urge Israel to end its blockade and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Sudan's military leader, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has accused rival paramilitary force Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of committing war crimes as fighting continues in Sudan. The conflict, which began in April, has seen both sides accused of extensive war crimes, including deliberate killings of civilians and mass sexual assault. The RSF and its militia allies have been targeting African communities in Darfur, while the capital city of Khartoum has become an urban battlefield. The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged new war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur. Over 2.15 million people have fled Khartoum state, and the death toll is believed to be much higher than official figures suggest. Facebook's parent company, Meta, has suspended the RSF's account, citing violations of its dangerous organizations and individuals policy.
Amnesty International has released a report documenting extensive war crimes and civilian suffering in Sudan, particularly in Khartoum and West Darfur. The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has resulted in mass civilian casualties, sexual violence against women and girls, targeted attacks on civilian objects, and widespread looting. Both sides have been accused of deliberate and indiscriminate attacks on civilians, with violations including attacks on hospitals and churches. The report calls for an extension of the arms embargo to all of Sudan, increased humanitarian support, and the establishment of an independent investigative and accountability mechanism.
Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied Arab militias have been accused of executing dozens of people and destroying a town in West Darfur, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The attack on Misterei resulted in the summary execution of at least 28 ethnic Massalit, as well as the killing and injuring of numerous civilians. The RSF fighters, supported by Arab militias, targeted non-Arab communities, committing what HRW describes as war crimes. The conflict in Sudan has escalated, with widespread violence and reports of atrocities in West Darfur. HRW has called for an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and for sanctions against RSF and Arab militia leaders.
