UN Human Rights Chief Appalled by Violations of International Law in Gaza
Mass graves in Gaza, June 2024. Photo: X/ @HoyPalestina
June 18, 2024 Hour: 11:07 am
Since Israel escalated its operations in Rafah, nearly 1 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced again.
On Tuesday, Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), reiterated his shock at the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law in the Gaza conflict.
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Addressing the opening meeting of the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk said that more than 120,000 people in Gaza, primarily women and children, have been killed or injured since Oct. 7, 2023 due to the intensive Israeli offensives.
He emphasized that since Israel escalated its operations in Rafah in early May, nearly 1 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced again, while aid delivery and humanitarian access have further deteriorated.
Turk also condemned the escalating violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where since October, 528 Palestinians, including 133 children, have been killed by Israeli security forces (ISF) and settlers.
Furthermore, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said that Israel’s persistent airstrikes in Gaza have caused significant human sufferings and extensive destruction.
He expressed his concern about the ongoing obstruction of humanitarian aid and the arbitrary detention of thousands of Palestinians by Israel, stressing the need for these practices to cease. Turk also urged Palestinian armed groups to release hostages.
Turk emphasized the importance of respecting the binding decisions of the United Nations Security Council and the International Court of Justice, underscoring the urgent need to end the occupation, ensure accountability and realize the internationally agreed two-state solution.
Source: Xinhua
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