UN human rights chief Volker Turk said war crimes had been committed by all parties in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, calling for them to be investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable, Reuters reports.

“Clear violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws, including war crimes and possibly other crimes under international law, have been committed by all parties,” Turk told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

“It is time — well past time — for peace, investigation and accountability.”

Turk said his office had recorded “many incidents that may amount to war crimes by Israeli forces”.

He added there were also indications that Israeli forces have engaged in “indiscriminate or disproportionate targeting” in violation of international law.

Turk said Palestinian armed groups launching indiscriminate projectiles across southern Israel and the holding of hostages also violated international humanitarian law.