Israel shows ‘unprecedented disregard for human rights’ in Gaza, says U.N. official

Israel’s military operations in Gaza reflect an “unprecedented disregard for human rights,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Wednesday, accusing the country of systematically breaching international law, Reuters has reported.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk looks on during a High-Level Segment of the 58th session of the Human Rights Council at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 24 February 2025.

EPA/TIL BUERGY

In a new report to the U.N. Human Rights Council, Türk also criticized Hamas for “indiscriminately firing projectiles into Israeli territory,” describing it as a war crime.

According to Israeli figures, Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in an October 7, 2023 attack. Israel’s subsequent offensive devastated Gaza and killed over 48,000 Palestinians, health officials there said.

#Gaza: The tragic record of the conflict shows clearly how impunity begets more violence.

"Any attempts at shaping a future of just peace where such horrors do not recur must ensure that perpetrators are held to account," - @volker_turk tells UN Human Rights Council @UN_HRC.

— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) February 26, 2025

Türk called Gaza’s destruction “massive,” citing widespread damage to homes, hospitals, and schools, and warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Israel did not address the Council and previously denied allegations of war crimes, saying its actions target militants while minimizing civilian harm. The Palestinian representative accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide, and blocking crucial aid. Several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, urged an end to the violence and reaffirmed support for a Palestinian state.

Türk urged impartial investigations but questioned whether Israel’s justice system—or Hamas—would hold violators accountable.

(jh)

Source: Reuters, UN News