DaysofPal- UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk gave a terrifying account of the ongoing war in Gaza during a Security Council meeting on the Middle East crisis.
Describing the situation as a “human rights catastrophe,” Türk highlighted the devastating toll of Israeli military operations on the civilian population and critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities.
“Israel’s means and methods of warfare have killed tens of thousands of people, inflicted vast displacement, and laid waste to the territory,” Türk stated, emphasizing serious concerns about compliance with international law.
A report by his office covering October 2023 to June 2024 revealed alarming patterns of attacks on hospitals. These include Israeli airstrikes, raids by ground troops, forced removals of patients and staff, and, in some cases, detentions. Hospitals left non-functional following these operations have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation.
The destruction of Kamal Adwan hospital, the last functioning hospital in North Gaza, epitomized the crisis. “Some staff and patients were forced from the hospital while others, including the general director, were detained, with many reports of torture and ill-treatment,” Türk said. He described the subsequent near-complete depopulation of North Gaza as deeply alarming.
The High Commissioner underscored the devastating impact of the conflict on healthcare. Over 100,000 Palestinians have reportedly been injured, many dying due to lack of treatment. Women and newborns have suffered gravely, with some infants succumbing to hypothermia or a lack of medical care. “Six babies have reportedly died of hypothermia in the past few days alone,” he lamented.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 1,050 medical professionals have been killed. Turk said Israeli military operations in and around hospitals and related combat have had a “terrible impact” at a time when there are enormous demands on health care due to the ongoing conflict.
He emphasized that the UN has repeatedly warned that Israel’s military operations in North Gaza put the entire Palestinian population at risk through death and displacement.
Turk also called for “independent, thorough, and transparent” investigations into all Israeli attacks on hospitals, healthcare infrastructure, and medical personnel, as well as the alleged misuse of such facilities.
“I once more warn in the strongest terms about the risk of atrocity crimes being committed in the occupied Palestinian territory. I urge all those with influence to take action accordingly and to protect civilians as a matter of absolute priority. It is essential that there is full accountability for all violations of international humanitarian and human rights,” he added.
The rights chief urged Israel to terminate its ongoing presence in the occupied Palestinian territory “as rapidly as possible” and to guarantee and facilitate access to live-in humanitarian aid, including sufficient medical care for the Palestinian population.
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