Israeli’s Gaza Siege was criticized by the UN human rights chief as a flagrant violation of international law.
He stressed the importance of protecting civilian dignity and lives and taking urgent action to defuse a highly volatile situation.
#Israel #OPT – @volker_turk makes urgent plea to all States with influence to take steps to defuse the “powder keg” situation causing loss of life & incalculable suffering. International humanitarian law & international human rights law must be respected. https://t.co/NvrYW17qFw
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) October 10, 2023
Israel’s comprehensive siege of the Gaza Strip, which includes a suspension of food, water, and energy supplies, has generated significant worries about the region’s escalating humanitarian catastrophe.
According to Volker Turk, “International humanitarian law is clear: the obligation to take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects remains applicable throughout the attacks.”
He emphasized that the siege risks deteriorating Gaza’s existing grave human rights and humanitarian situation. This includes the demand on medical infrastructure, especially given the expanding number of injured people.
International humanitarian law, according to Turk, prohibits the establishment of sieges that risk civilian life by refusing vital supplies.
He emphasized that imposing movement and goods limitations during a siege must be justified militarily, otherwise they will be viewed as collective punishment.
According to the UN, around 200,000 Palestinians, or almost one-tenth of Gaza’s population, have been displaced since the conflict began.
As a result of the continuous blockage, this displacement has led to in significant water and energy shortages.
OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke said that displacement had increased substantially across Gaza, with over 187,500 people seeking shelter in schools. More relocation is predicted as the battles continue.
Since the weekend, the World Health Organization (WHO) has documented 13 attacks on health facilities in Gaza. It also emphasized the depletion of its regionally stockpiled medicinal supplies.
Governments around the world, including Italy, Thailand, and Ukraine, reported civilian casualties as a result of the conflict.
President Joe Biden acknowledged the deaths of at least 11 Americans, raising concerns that other Americans may be among those held captive.
The situation remains unpredictable, with tensions in the region rising and calls for a rapid ceasefire becoming more pressing.
