UN condemnation of the mass killings in Gaza

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned what he termed the "mass killing" of Palestinians by Israel, warning that evidence of war crimes is increasing alarmingly, and stated that Israel must appear before the International Court of Justice.

In his opening speech at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, he added that what is happening in Gaza "shocks the conscience of the world," noting that the obstruction of humanitarian aid has led to the starvation of civilians and the deaths of hundreds due to malnutrition, including dozens of children.

Turk emphasized that Israel is required to refute this evidence before the International Court of Justice, referring to the legal obligations imposed on Tel Aviv under previous international resolutions.

The UN official expressed his dismay at what he described as "the public use of genocidal rhetoric" and "the disgraceful stripping of humanity" from Palestinians by senior Israeli officials.

He said, "The mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza by Israel and the indescribable suffering it has caused, along with widespread destruction and its obstruction of the necessary aid to save lives, leading to the starvation of civilians, the killing of journalists, and the commission of war crimes one after another, all of these things shock the conscience of the world."

Turk warned that "alarming trends," including the glorification of violence and the withdrawal of some countries from the multilateral system, undermine human rights and the international order worldwide.

He stated, "The rules of war are being violated, with little accountability."

In contrast, Israel accused Turk of disregarding what it described as "the facts and complexities."

Israel's representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Daniel Meron, said in a statement, "Instead of addressing the rights of Israelis to live in peace and security and the extensive measures taken by Israel to alleviate the suffering of civilians caused by Hamas in Gaza, the High Commissioner continues to spread a narrative filled with slander."

Hundreds of thousands of residents of Gaza are living in tragic conditions amid the rubble, after the destruction of most of the civilian infrastructure, the lack of food and medical supplies, and a complete closure of the crossings for months.

UN reports indicate that a large part of the sector has effectively entered a state of famine, while humanitarian aid remains piled up at the borders without being allowed to enter regularly.

Since March 2, Israel has closed all crossings leading to Gaza, preventing any food, medical treatments, or humanitarian aid, plunging the sector into famine despite the accumulation of relief trucks at its borders.

Since October 7, 2023, with American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza, including killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, ignoring all international calls and orders from the International Court of Justice in this regard.