Israel-Hamas war: IDF approves Lebanon operation plans – DW – 06/18/2024

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday said he was, “appalled by the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law by parties to the conflict in Gaza,” saying the conflict had brought “unconscionable death and suffering.”

Türk cited data showing a 72% jump in civilian deaths in armed conflict during a statement opening a UN Human Rights Council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where he directly addressed the ongoing conflict playing out in Gaza.

“More than 120,000 people in Gaza, overwhelmingly women and children, have been killed or injured since 7 October, as a result of the intensive Israeli offensives,” the UN human rights chief said.

He also spoke of the “situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” which he said, “is dramatically deteriorating,” noting that, “528 Palestinians … had been killed by Israeli security forces and/or settlers since October.”

“Israel’s relentless strikes in Gaza,” Türk continued, “are causing immense suffering and widespread destruction. The arbitrary denial and obstruction of humanitarian aid have continued, and Israel continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Palestinians. This must end.”

Turning to Hamas, and its allies, Türk said, “Palestinian armed groups continue to hold many hostages, and, in some cases in densely populated areas, putting them and Palestinian civilians at further risk. These hostages must be released.”

Türk also expressed his concerns over the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants at the Lebanese border.

“Already 401 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, including paramedics and journalists. Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon, and over 60,000 have been displaced in Israel with 25 Israeli fatalities,” he said.