A UN investigation has concluded that Israel committed crimes against humanity during the conflict in Gaza, including that of “extermination”, while saying Israeli and Palestinian groups have both committed war crimes, AFP reports.

The independent Commission of Inquiry’s report is the United Nations’ first in-depth investigation into the events of the war that erupted on October 7.

It found that Israel had committed war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL).

The report noted “a widespread or systematic attack directed against the civilian population in Gaza”.

“The commission found that the crimes against humanity of extermination; murder; gender persecution targeting Palestinian men and boys; forcible transfer; and torture and inhuman and cruel treatment were committed,” it added.

Israel rejected the conclusions by accusing the UN commission of “systematic anti-Israeli discrimination”.