Israeli forces, Palestinian groups possibly committed war crimes in raid, UN says

• Gaza health officials said the operation killed more than 270 Palestinians. The Israeli Defense Forces said the figure was "less than 100."

The big picture: The UN is "profoundly shocked" at the Israeli operation's impact on civilians in Gaza, Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, said in a statement.

• "The manner in which the raid was conducted in such a densely populated area seriously calls into question whether the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution — as set out under the laws of war — were respected by the Israeli forces," he said.
• Armed Palestinian groups holding hostages in densely populated areas endanger the lives of both the hostages and surrounding Palestinian civilians, he noted.

What they're saying: In response, Israel's Permanent Mission to the United Nations accused UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk of "slandering Israel," Reuters reported.

• "The toll of this war on civilians is first and foremost the product of Hamas's deliberate strategy to maximize civilian harm," the mission said.

State of play: The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Monday calling for Hamas to accept a hostage and ceasefire deal.

• There are 120 hostages still being held in Gaza, at least 42 of whom are confirmed dead.
• More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage.
• This isn't the first time the UN has warned both parties may have committed war crimes in the enclave.