More than 500 UN employees are pushing to describe the Gaza war as genocide.

In an unprecedented move, more than 500 United Nations employees have called, in a letter addressed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, to describe the ongoing war in Gaza as genocide. This letter reflects the deep concern felt by employees regarding the serious violations occurring in the sector.

The letter indicated that the legal criteria necessary to describe what is happening in Gaza as genocide have been met, based on the scale and scope of documented violations. The employees emphasized that failing to condemn these actions undermines the credibility of the United Nations and the human rights system.

UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, confirmed that Turk has the full support of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres. He explained that describing the events as genocide falls under the jurisdiction of a competent legal authority.

For her part, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ravina Shamdasani, affirmed that the situation in Gaza raises deep concern, pointing to the challenges facing the commission in documenting the facts. She added that internal discussions are ongoing about how to proceed.

Volker Turk, who has repeatedly condemned the crimes committed in Gaza, noted that the letter highlights important concerns. He expressed his frustration over the international community's inability to end the current situation, urging employees to remain united under the commission's umbrella.

This call from the employees comes at a sensitive time, as violations in Gaza are increasing, necessitating a firm stance from the international community. Genocide is not just a legal term, but a reality that Palestinians live every day.