Now that calm has been restored, said Michel Forst, speaking for a group of independent U.N. human rights experts, "our immediate thoughts go to the Palestinian and Israeli victims, especially women and children."

"We deplored that, as the result of the aerial and naval bombings in Gaza, over 100 civilians were killed and hundreds injured. We condemn the killings of journalists and targeting of media outlets. Furthermore, we deeply regret the destruction or damaging of houses, religious sites, schools and infrastructure," Forst said.

"We condemn the launching of indiscriminate rockets on Israeli neighborhoods which resulted in the killing of three confirmed Israeli civilians and in many being injured. The attack carried out in a bus in Tel Aviv amounts to a gross disregard for human life. Plainly stated, there is no possible justification whatsoever for this attack."

Forst said protection of civilians must now be the priority.

"We utterly condemn all attacks against civilians," he said.