The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for the immediate halt of Israel’s newly approved plan for a full-scale military takeover of Gaza, warning it will bring “more deaths, more unbearable suffering, and senseless destruction.”
In a statement on Friday, Türk said the plan runs counter to the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must end its occupation “as soon as possible,” as well as to international efforts toward a two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Israel’s political-security cabinet gave the green light early Friday to take control of Gaza City, marking an escalation of military operations in the nearly two-year war. On Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s intention to establish military control over the entire Gaza Strip.
“On all evidence to date, this further escalation will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction, and atrocity crimes,” Türk said.
He urged the Israeli government to shift its focus toward protecting civilian lives by permitting the “full, unfettered” delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza. He also called on Palestinian armed groups to immediately and unconditionally release all hostages.
The announcement comes amid mounting international criticism over the war’s humanitarian toll, with rights groups and global leaders warning that the deepening crisis risks undermining long-term peace prospects in the region.
Written By Rodney Mbua
