The United Nations’ top human rights official has issued a grave warning about the rapidly deteriorating conditions in Gaza, urging the international community to act decisively to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, delivered his remarks on Monday at the opening of a session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. He implored governments around the world to recognise the gravity of the crisis. “All those in power must wake up to what is happening in Gaza,” he said. “There must be immediate and concerted pressure on both Israel and Hamas to bring this suffering to an end.”
Türk reiterated the UN’s longstanding position that peace in the region hinges on a two-state solution, stating Gaza must be part of a future sovereign Palestinian state.
Condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, he described the conduct of operations as a violation of international humanitarian norms, accusing Israeli forces of causing “indescribable and unjustifiable” pain to Palestinian civilians. He also condemned incendiary rhetoric used by some Israeli officials and pointed to the near-total blockade on UN aid deliveries as a critical factor exacerbating the crisis since March.
Additionally, Türk called for a probe into deaths associated with aid distribution through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israeli-backed initiative. He highlighted that civilians often traverse dangerous combat zones in search of food, and many have been killed in the process.
The High Commissioner’s remarks have added to growing international pressure for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian access in Gaza.
