UN decries ‘horrifying’ suffering in Gaza
AP :
The United Nations human rights chief has strongly criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as causing “horrifying, unconscionable suffering” for Palestinians. He called on world leaders to intensify pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the conflict.
Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, made the remarks during the opening of the latest session of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday. In a wide-ranging speech, he also addressed the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, the consequences of recent U.S. tariffs, human rights issues in China, and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine.
Türk, who has consistently condemned the violence in Gaza and called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants, used particularly strong language to describe the situation. Speaking to the 47-member council-which Israel has frequently accused of bias-he stated, “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.”
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has not participated in the council’s activities under the Trump administration, which criticized the body’s stance toward Israel.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 55,300 Palestinians, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties. However, the ministry does not separate civilian from militant deaths. Türk emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying,
“The facts speak for themselves. Everyone in government needs to wake up to what is happening in Gaza.” He added that those with influence must “exert maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas, to put an end to this unbearable suffering.”
