More than 300 civilians were killed in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last month by M23 rebels supported by Rwandan forces, the United Nations said Wednesday, warning the violence could derail ongoing peace efforts.

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According to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, at least 319 people were killed between July 9 and July 21 in four villages in North Kivu’s Rutshuru territory. The killings were attributed to M23 rebels, reportedly operating with the backing of Rwanda’s Defense Force.

Based on firsthand accounts, the UN described the incident as one of the deadliest documented attacks since M23 reemerged in 2022. “I am appalled by the attacks on civilians by the M23 and other armed groups,” Türk said, urging an immediate end to assaults on non-combatants.

The violence occurred just days after Congolese authorities and M23 leaders signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on July 19. The agreement was intended to pave the way for a comprehensive peace accord, including the restoration of state control in rebel-held areas and protections for civilians.

A full peace deal is expected by August 18, under a Qatari-led mediation process. However, the latest attacks cast doubt on the commitment of armed groups to halt hostilities and uphold humanitarian provisions.

Earlier this year, M23 forces, with Rwandan support, captured key cities in eastern Congo, escalating a long-running conflict in a region already plagued by more than 100 armed groups vying for control of mineral-rich territories.

Neither the Rwandan government nor M23 representatives have commented on the UN report.

As the peace deadline approaches, the persistence of deadly attacks underscores the fragility of the current negotiations and the urgent need for international pressure to ensure civilian protection and accountability.

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