Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated unequivocally on Wednesday that there is “no justification” for Israel’s actions in Gaza during a meeting with the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
He went on to describe a “raft of human rights violations” occurring within Gaza, pointing out the “unprecedented disregard” for international humanitarian law exhibited by both Israel and Hamas since the horrific massacre on October 7.
Turk also expressed skepticism that Israel would acknowledge full responsibility for “unlawful killings in Gaza and the West Bank.”
In addition, Turk condemned Hamas and other Palestinian militants for their war crimes, which include taking hostages, subjecting them to torture, and launching indiscriminate rockets into Israel. He voiced concerns that further violations may have occurred, such as “the intentional co-location of military objectives and Palestinian civilians.”
He emphasized, “Any attempts at shaping a peaceful future where such horrors do not recur must ensure that perpetrators are held to account.”
Turk also addressed the recent Israeli move to ban UNRWA and the sanctions imposed on the International Criminal Court by the United States earlier this month. He stated that “delegitimizing and threatening international institutions that are there to serve people and uphold international law also harms us all.”
Furthermore, he condemned any attempts to annex Palestinian territories or forcibly displace civilians—actions recently proposed by US President Donald Trump—and insisted that such moves “must be resisted.”
Finally, Turk called for “voices of reason to prevail, for solutions that will deliver justice and make space for compassion, healing, and truth-telling,” emphasizing the urgent need for peace and accountability.
{Matzav.com}