UN Report: Ceasefire in Gaza Limits Violence but Killings and Displacement Persist

What happened

The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has published a report covering the period from 7 October 2023 to 31 May 2025, following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel and Israel’s ensuing military actions in Gaza. The report states that although a ceasefire has reduced the scale of violence in Gaza since October 2025, killings and destruction continue, alongside serious violations of international law by all parties.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Ajith Sunghay, Head of UN Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, highlighted that the ceasefire, while reducing intense violence, only allowed modest humanitarian relief, with ongoing deaths and infrastructure destruction occurring almost daily. The report details large-scale violations including war crimes and possible crimes against humanity committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups.

The UN report states that Palestinians have suffered unprecedented casualties, with Israeli forces having killed over 72,000 Palestinians since October 2023 in various civilian locations including homes, shelters, hospitals, and while accessing aid. It also mentions that Palestinian armed groups killed at least 1,124 people in Israel, seized hostages, and launched thousands of unguided rockets, with released hostages recounting credible torture and sexual violence.

Known from the source

• The UN report covers events from 7 October 2023 to 31 May 2025.
• A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was concluded in October 2025.
• Killings and destruction in Gaza have continued despite the ceasefire.
• The UN report documents large-scale violations of international law involving possible war crimes by both Israeli and Palestinian parties.
• Israeli forces have killed 72,769 Palestinians in Gaza since 7 October 2023 according to the report.

What remains unclear

The report raises grave concerns over the humanitarian crisis worsened by the Israeli blockade causing starvation and famine in Gaza, which it labels a war crime if used as a method of war. It also documents the forced displacement of Palestinians at a rate unseen in decades, with significant settler expansion in the West Bank and attacks on Palestinians, often with security forces' involvement or acquiescence.

What remains unclear: Verification of casualty figures for both Palestinians and Israelis as presented in the UN report. Attribution and evidence basis for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity claims by both sides. Details surrounding the treatment of hostages including allegations of torture and sexual violence. Verification of claims regarding the blockade causing starvation and famine as war crimes.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: UN News Middle East Gaza. Open the source.