Speaking at the United Nations, High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Israel may have committed war crimes in its attacks on civilians in Gaza. She also renewed calls for Israel to lift the seven-year blockade that has crippled Gaza’s economy and infrastructure.

High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay: “Respect for the right to life of civilians, including children, should be a foremost consideration. Not abiding by these principles may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The crippling effects of the Israeli blockade and other measures linked to the Israeli occupation of Gaza suppress the ability of the people to go about their daily lives and prevent them from rebuilding their lives and communities after repeated military operations. I reiterate my numerous calls for this blockade to be lifted once and for all.”

Pillay also condemned rocket fire by Palestinian militants into Israel, which have so far killed three Israeli civilians.