The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for accountability regarding severe violations and potential atrocity crimes in Gaza, following the release of a UN report on Israel’s actions during the conflict. The report details the devastating impact on both Israeli and Palestinian populations since October 7, 2023, with Turk emphasizing Israel’s need to adhere to international law and the rules of war.
The report highlights the unprecedented toll inflicted on Gaza by Israeli military operations, leading to widespread death, injury, starvation, and disease. It states that around 70% of the victims were women and children, suggesting a disregard for core humanitarian principles, including the need to distinguish between civilians and combatants. The continuation of such attacks, the report argues, reflects an indifference to civilian lives.
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Turk stressed the importance of judicial action to investigate allegations of international law violations and called for the preservation of evidence. He also urged the international community to prevent further atrocity crimes and support the work of accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC). Turk’s remarks underscored the urgency of holding all parties accountable, particularly in light of ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza and recent legislation impacting the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).
