Officials are calling on Israel, Hamas and world powers to put an end to “apocalyptic” scenes as Palestinians search in vain for safety.
UN officials have warned that the risk of “atrocities” is increasing in Gaza, with Palestinians trapped in “increasing horror” as Israel intensifies its attack on the enclave.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, Volker Türk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, urged Israel, Hamas and influential international actors to prevent “atrocity crimes” as Israel’s advance into southern Gaza leaves displaced Palestinians with nowhere to flee.
“Palestinians in Gaza live in ever-increasing horror,” Türk continued, describing the displacement and systemic deprivation of millions of Palestinians, who survive in dangerous, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, without any security.
“My colleagues describe the situation as apocalyptic. In these circumstances, there is an increased risk of atrocity crimes,” he said.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) echoed his comments, warning that the situation in Gaza is “getting worse by the minute.”
“Another wave of displacement is underway in Gaza,” UNRWA said in a post on X, calling the enclave “one of the most dangerous places in the world.”
“There is no “safe” zone #Gaza. The entire 📍#Gaza strip has become one of the most dangerous places in the world »@JulietteTouma tell @BBC News how the situation is “getting worse by the minute” as we receive non-stop SOS calls from friends and @UNRWA colleagues. pic.twitter.com/jBpGOeCMpU
– UNRWA (@UNRWA) December 6, 2023
Speaking shortly before Human Rights Day on December 10, Türk stressed that history has shown how a “cynical disregard” for human rights can lead to events the world said They should “never” happen again.
It also risks leading to impunity, he added, calling for all allegations of war crimes against civilians and hostages committed by Israel or Hamas to be investigated.
Also noting the “alarming” escalation of “militarized violence” in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, Türk urged “Israeli authorities (to) take immediate steps to end widespread impunity for such violations.” .
The UN official highlighted unlawful killings, aggressive settler violence, increased arbitrary detentions, mistreatment, sexual violence and an alarming increase in Palestinian deaths in custody.
Allegations of sex crimes committed by Hamas fighters during the October 7 attack in southern Israel must also be fully investigated “to ensure justice is served for the victims,” he said. -he continued.
“Violence and revenge will only lead to more violence,” he said. “The only solution is to end the occupation and achieve a two-state solution. »
The international community must come together “with one voice” to demand an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds.
At least 16,248 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its retaliation for the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, according to authorities in the enclave. In Israel, the official death toll stands at around 1,200.
This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948.
