New york: Israel is using financial tools as weapons to destroy Palestinian lives by withholding tax revenues and restricting banking transactions, a UN expert said Thursday.

According to Anadolu Agency, UN independent expert on foreign debt and human rights Attiya Waris told reporters at the New York headquarters that financial measures are being used in place of traditional military tactics. "It is no longer only a case of bullets. It is no longer a case of actual killing. It is an actual case of the use of financial tools to destroy human life," Waris stated.

Waris pointed out that taxes, typically used for governmental functions like defense, are being weaponized through their withholding. She referenced a letter addressed to Israel concerning the Palestinian Authority's lack of access to its share of tax revenue. "The result of this withholding of taxpayer revenue means that hospitals are being shut down," Waris explained.

Additionally, Waris criticized Israel's application of anti-money laundering measures to hinder cross-border financial transactions. She noted that two Israeli banks have had their waivers lifted, which previously allowed transactions with the Palestinian Authority, thereby escalating financial restrictions.

"Which means it is not safe for those two Israeli banks to continue to trade," Waris added, describing this as a form of financial warfare through illicit financial flow restrictions.

Since October 2023, Israel's actions have resulted in the deaths of over 68,200 individuals and injuries to more than 170,300 people in its ongoing conflict with the Gaza Strip, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

The initial phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire deal was achieved on October 10, which includes provisions for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.