This thematic report documents concerns regarding Israel's use of explosive weapons with wide area effects in densely populated areas during the escalation in hostilities in Gaza since 7 October 2023, and how this complies with international humanitarian law (IHL), particularly in relation to the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions in attack. It details six individual incidents from 7 October to 2 December 2023 in the context of the ongoing escalation where Israel may have failed to adhere to these principles, leading to high civilian fatalities and injuries and destruction of civilian objects. In gathering, assessing and verifying the information contained in this note, and drawing conclusions based on international human rights and humanitarian law, OHCHR applied its global methodology. Information was gathered from multiple independent sources, including through interviews carried out by OHCHR with witnesses, military and weapons experts; open-source information, including satellite imagery, videos and photos; information gathered by credible organizations and individuals; official and other documentation. The analysis of the information involved legal and weapons expertise, including from independent experts, and a “reasonable ground to believe” standard of proof was applied in reaching factual and legal conclusions.