Geneva: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk stated today that deadly attacks on distraught civilians attempting to access the limited food aid in Gaza are unconscionable.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Trk revealed that for three consecutive days, civilians have been killed around an aid distribution site managed by the 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation'. He reported that additional fatalities and injuries were confirmed this morning.
Trk emphasized the need for thorough investigations into these attacks and accountability for those responsible. He highlighted that attacks on civilians are a grave breach of international law and amount to war crimes.
The systematic deprivation faced by Palestinians in Gaza was strongly condemned by Trk. He described the dire choices facing Palestinians: dying from starvation or risking death while trying to obtain the limited food aid provided through Israel's militarized humanitarian assistance mechanism. He criticized this system for endangering lives and violating international aid distribution standards, as previously warned by the United Nations.
Trk warned of the legal ramifications of these actions, noting that obstructing access to essential relief supplies could constitute a war crime. He pointed to ongoing threats, civilian casualties, massive destruction, forced displacements, and rhetoric from Israel's leadership as elements of severe international law violations.
Recalling a ruling by the International Court of Justice in 2024, Trk stressed that the court identified a risk of irreparable harm to Palestinians' rights in Gaza, mandating Israel to ensure the unhindered provision of necessary humanitarian assistance in cooperation with the United Nations.
Trk concluded by asserting that there is no justification for non-compliance with these obligations.