All parties to the Gaza
conflict have been responsible for “clear violations of
international humanitarian law including possible war crimes”,
according to the UN’s top human rights official, Volker Türk.
In his Office's latest report on the situation in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory scheduled to be delivered to
the Human Rights Council on
Thursday, Mr. Türk repeats his condemnation of the
Hamas-led massacres in Israel on 7 October that left some 1,200
butchered and calls for the immediate release of all Israeli
hostages.
Plight focus
The High Commissioner for Human Rights also underscores how
Israel’s “massive military response” had caused “unprecedented
destruction and suffering” which had led to the dire humanitarian
crisis being endured by Gazans now facing imminent famine.
“Clear violations of international humanitarian law,
including possible war crimes, have been committed by all
parties,” the report from the Office of the High
Commissioner states, before calling for further investigations to
establish accountability and to overcome “entrenched impunity”.
Humane treatment call
Among the actions expected of the warring parties, the report
from the UN rights chief urges Palestinian armed groups in Gaza
“to ensure the humane treatment and immediate release of all
hostages”, to stop firing “indiscriminate projectiles” at Israel
and to pull out fighters from buildings used by civilians.
The High Commissioner’s report also calls for Israel to
“immediately end all practices of collective
punishment” of Gazans including the “complete siege” and
ensure “immediate access to humanitarian and commercial goods
throughout Gaza, commensurate with the immense humanitarian
needs”.
Appealing to the Israeli military, Mr. Türk urges the return of
all Palestinians uprooted from their homes by the war, along with
compliance with international humanitarian law by ending the use
of explosive weapons “with wide area effects” in built-up areas.
Protection must also be provided for hospitals and other civilian
infrastructure that are essential for people’s survival, the
report states.
