Gaza’s public servants systematically targeted in Israeli strikes

Key points

• Outlining “repeated attacks” and “routine targeting” of law enforcement personnel in Gaza, OHCHR said that they have been killed while directing traffic and patrolling streets and crowded markets.
• This “systematic targeting” of key public institutions and workers has caused a collapse of civic and public order since Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel sparked the war in Gaza on 7 October 2023, maintained Mayy El Sheikh, OHCHR spokesperson in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
• Obligations ignored “Israel as the occupying power actually has the obligation under international law to ensure civic and public order for Palestinians who live under the occupation…
• targeting them, unless they are directly participating in attacks or hostilities, would amount to war crimes,” she insisted.
• Soundcloud Since January 2026, OHCHR has recorded at least 12 attacks against police, killing more than 53 civilians including 35 police personnel, five boys, and one woman.