On 26 February 2025, Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed the Human Rights Council in Geneva, declaring a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He urged global leaders to critically evaluate their roles in resolving a decades-long conflict, emphasising that any future plans must confront historical injustices, stressing that accountability for human rights violations is crucial to break the cycle of violence.
Türk highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the situation, labelling the blockade on Gaza as a form of collective punishment and pointing out the escalating violence and illegal settlements in the West Bank. He expressed grave concerns regarding unpunished violations of international law, which have intensified in recent years, leaving many communities vulnerable and in desperate need of humanitarian assistance.
He firmly condemned the appalling attacks on Israeli communities by Hamas and other armed groups on 7 October 2023, describing them as unjustifiable acts of violence. Equally, he condemned the Israeli military’s operations in Gaza, which he asserted have led to excessive civilian casualties, including the deaths of over 48,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, raising accusations of potential war crimes.
Türk underscored the staggering levels of destruction caused by Israel’s military actions, which have left countless families in ruins and children orphaned. Alongside mentioning the sacrifices of medical personnel and journalists, he suggested that despite some limited investigations by Israeli authorities, there remains a significant lack of accountability, particularly regarding the deaths of Palestinians.
The High Commissioner framed the ongoing violence as a symptom of deep-seated impunity that perpetuates future conflicts. He called for not only accountability, but also the establishment of robust international mechanisms that serve to uphold human rights and prevent further degradation of humanitarian principles, insisting that legitimate institutions serve as bulwarks against violence and injustice.
Türk suggested that unless the perpetrators of such grave offenses are held accountable, the cycle of violence will persist, ultimately harming generations to come. He implored for independent investigations into violations committed both by Israel and Palestinian militant groups, amid concerns that justice systems may not fulfil their obligations impartially and effectively.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the need for accountability in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He condemned both Israeli military actions and the attacks by Hamas, calling for independent investigations into potential war crimes. Türk stressed that addressing historical injustices and upholding international humanitarian law are crucial for breaking the cycle of violence and building a more peaceful future.
In his address, Volker Türk shed light on the urgent need for accountability to heal the longstanding wounds of conflict in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He accentuated the importance of confronting historical injustices to pave the way for a more peaceful future. His powerful call for independent investigations into possible war crimes highlights the necessity for adherence to humanitarian laws and the protection of human rights, ensuring that cycles of violence do not continue.
Original Source: media.un.org
