UN Human Rights Chief Urges Global Probe into Alleged Human Rights Violations in Israel-Hamas War

 UN Human Rights Chief Calls for International Investigation into Alleged Human Rights Violations in Israel-Hamas War GENEVA: The UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, has highlighted allegations of serious rights violations in the Israel-Hamas war, stating that full accountability is needed. Turk stated that there have been extremely serious allegations of multiple and profound breaches of international humanitarian law that demand rigorous investigation. Although he did not name Israel or Hamas directly, he spoke after a visit to the Middle East where he warned that both sides were committing war crimes.

Turk emphasized the urgent need for his department to access Israel and the Palestinian territories to ensure full and independent monitoring and documentation. He stated that when national authorities prove unwilling or unable to carry out such investigations, and where there are contested narratives on significant incidents, international investigation is necessary. The conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, has escalated tensions in the region. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas in retaliation for attacks on October 7, which it claims killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

In response, Hamas took several hundred people hostage, including elderly individuals and children. Turk expressed concern about the intensification of violence and severe discrimination against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire, stating that the crisis extends well beyond the Gaza Strip. Turk warned that the situation is potentially explosive and called on all parties to acknowledge the equal value of human lives. Both Israel and the Palestinians responded to Turk's comments.

The Israeli ambassador dismissed his request to visit Israel, saying there would be little benefit in such a visit, while the Palestinian ambassador accused Israel of acting above the law and called the conflict a massacre and genocide. Other countries, including Jordan, expressed their support for the Palestinians and called on Israel to halt its aggression. The US ambassador labeled the Hamas attack on October 7 as pure evil and mourned the Palestinians killed as a result of the violence. The UN human rights chief's call for an international investigation aims to ensure accountability and justice for the alleged human rights violations committed during the Israel-Hamas conflict.