UN Human Rights chief Navi Pillay has warned Israel that the targeting of civilian homes is a violation of international humanitarian law, after more than 100 Palestinians were killed in four days of bombardment by Israeli forces.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights also expressed deep concern in a statement on Friday about the prospect of a ground offensive by the Israel Defense Forces and called for a ceasefire.

Pillay said in a statement: "We have received deeply disturbing reports that many of the civilian casualties, including of children, occurred as a result of strikes on homes.

"Such reports raise serious doubt about whether the Israeli strikes have been in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”

More than 340 houses in Gaza have been severely damaged or completely destroyed, leaving, 2,050 people displaced and sheltering with neighbors, friends or family, according to the UN.

"Israeli media reports over 800 strikes since the war began, with 60 on the morning of 10 July alone," Pillay said.

Health facilities damaged

She called on “all sides” to abide by international human rights law and international humanitarian law and warned Israel that, in case of doubt, buildings ordinarily used for civilian purposes - such as homes - are presumed not to be legitimate military targets.

"Every alleged breach of international law must be promptly, independently, thoroughly and effectively investigated, with a view to ensuring justice and reparations for the victims," Pillay added.

Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a press conference in the UN headquarters in Geneva on Friday: "Five health facilities in Gaza have suffered damages because of airstrikes carried out near to them.

"A nurse who works in the Gaza European hospital was also injured and the hospital's intensive care unit was evacuated."

PHOTO CAPTION

Israeli war ships patrol in the Mediterranean Sea near the Gaza Border, Wednesday, July 9, 2014.

AA