UN Commission of Inquiry: Iran War Has 'Eclipsed' Surge in Palestinian Human Rights Violations

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, issued a statement in early April 2026 warning that the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran has eclipsed a continuing surge in human rights violations against Palestinians. The Commission condemned the Israeli Knesset's passage of a death penalty law mandating hanging for Palestinian defendants convicted of murder on a terror-related basis. It called on all parties who have breached international law and targeted civilians to be held accountable. The Commission noted that while an Iran ceasefire announcement may represent a first step in ending regional hostilities, Palestinian protections must not be deprioritized. Its upcoming report to the 62nd Human Rights Council session in June 2026 will focus on civilian killings by non-state actors, including Israeli settlers and Palestinian armed groups.