THE MIND OF THE PEOPLE – United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turkexpressed deep concern about the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories. In his speech at the 62nd session of the UN Human Rights Council, he said that nearly 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip was announced in October last year.
According to Türk, most of the victims who died were civilians. He assessed that conditions on the ground still present a high risk to the safety of the civilian population, even though efforts have been made to end the conflict through a ceasefire agreement.
UN Highlights Restrictions on Humanitarian Aid
In his statement, Türk also highlighted the policies of the Israeli authorities which were considered to continue to narrow the space for Palestinians to move in the Gaza Strip. He said the Palestinian people were being pushed into increasingly narrow areas, while access to humanitarian aid still faced various obstacles.
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According to him, restrictions on the distribution of aid have worsened the conditions of residents who have long been affected by the prolonged conflict. International humanitarian organizations have previously repeatedly warned of the urgent need for food, clean water, medicine and health services for the Gaza population.
Türk emphasized that the protection of civilians and safe and sustainable humanitarian access must be the top priority of all parties involved in the conflict.
The situation in the West Bank is considered to be worsening
Apart from Gaza, the UN also highlighted developments in the situation in West Bank. Türk said Israeli forces and settlers were accelerating the destruction of Palestinian communities and expanding territorial annexation.
He revealed that to date there have been dozens of fatalities and hundreds of residents arrested in various security operations in the area. In addition, dozens of land confiscation orders have also been issued, which the UN says has the potential to exacerbate tensions on the ground.
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Data submitted by Türk shows that at least 57 people were killed, nearly 1,300 people were injured, hundreds more were arrested, and 23 land confiscation orders had been issued.
Warning on the Future of the State of Palestine
In his speech, Türk also criticized a number of statements by senior Israeli officials which he considered contrary to international law.
“A number of senior Israeli officials openly talk about expelling all Palestinians from Gaza, and eliminating the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. All this is completely illegal.”
This statement adds to the international community’s concerns regarding the prospects for a two-state solution, which has been one of the main frameworks for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The UN again calls for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of the rights of civilians in all conflict areas.***
