The U.N. human rights office has highlighted potential war crimes committed by both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups during a deadly raid in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where Israeli forces freed four hostages but killed hundreds of Palestinians.

Spokesman Jeremy Laurence expressed concerns about violations of proportionality, distinction, and precaution by Israeli forces, noting the deaths of at least 274 Palestinians, including many women and children.

Laurence also criticized Palestinian armed groups for endangering civilians by holding hostages in densely populated areas, which he said could amount to war crimes.

He emphasized the humanitarian violation of taking hostages and urged for their prompt release, the Associated Press has reported.

Meanwhile, Israel’s diplomatic mission in Geneva accused the U.N. of unfairly criticizing Israel while acknowledging Hamas’s use of human shields.

The conflict, which began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 36,730 deaths in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Written by B.C. Begley