United Nations urges Israel to end violence against Palestinians and Lebanese

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called on Israel to cease violence against Palestinians and Lebanese people. Speaking at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Turk also urged third-party nations to stop supplying weapons to Israel to prevent potential violations of international law.

Turk highlighted that Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip continue to cause over 1,300 Palestinian deaths daily, despite a ceasefire agreement signed nearly a year ago. He expressed outrage over proposals for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza and the ongoing restrictions on humanitarian aid. Additionally, he noted that Israel continues the annexation of the West Bank despite rulings from the International Court of Justice.

Regarding Lebanon, Turk demanded an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese warned against using the clearing of rubble in Gaza to conceal evidence of potential international crimes, noting that Palestinian government assessments suggest over 10,000 bodies remain buried under collapsed buildings.