THE UN human rights office is citing possible war crimes by Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups in connection with Israel’s bloody raid that freed four hostages over the weekend and slaughtered hundreds of Palestinians.

Office spokesman Jeremy Laurence expressed concerns about possible violations of rules of proportionality, distinction and precaution by the Israeli forces in Saturday’s raid at the urban Nuseirat refugee camp.

Palestinian health officials say at least 274 Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, were killed in the operation.