Geneva: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Trk today urged the world to act to prevent the total collapse of critical life-saving support in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Trk emphasized the urgency of international intervention as the blockade of essential assistance enters its ninth week. He warned that the situation could escalate into an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe without concerted global efforts.
Trk highlighted the severe implications of using starvation as a method of warfare, labeling it a war crime along with other forms of collective punishment. He expressed concern over reports of an Israeli plan to designate Rafah Governorate as a new humanitarian zone, which he argued would likely result in widespread deprivation of essential resources for vulnerable populations in Gaza.
He also addressed Israel's ongoing military actions that target civilians, stating that such acts could constitute war crimes if civilians not participating in hostilities are deliberately attacked. Trk underscored the need for thorough investigations into incidents that violate the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
Trk further criticized the destruction of civilian infrastructure, emphasizing its detrimental impact on access to water, public health, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. He noted that such actions hinder rescue operations, including retrieving the injured and deceased from debris, which is crucial for humanitarian relief efforts.
Reiterating the broader implications of the conflict, Trk expressed concern over the conditions being imposed on Palestinians in Gaza, suggesting they are increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group. He called on third states to fulfill their obligations under international law to halt these actions and to pursue justice for perpetrators of international law violations.
