Officials call on Israel, Hamas, world powers to halt ‘apocalyptic’ scenes as Palestinians fruitlessly seek safety. UN officials have warned that the risk of “atrocities” is growing in Gaza, with Palestinians stuck in “deepening horror” as Israel intensifies its assault on the enclave.
In a news conference on Wednesday, Volker Türk, UN high commissioner for human rights, urged Israel, Hamas, and international actors with influence to prevent “atrocity crimes” as Israel’s advance into southern Gaza leaves displaced Palestinians with nowhere to run. Türk described the displacement and systemic deprivation of millions of Palestinians, who are surviving in unsafe, overcrowded, and unsanitary conditions with no security. He emphasized that the situation is reaching a critical point, using the term “apocalyptic” to describe it. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) also expressed concern, stating that the situation in Gaza is getting worse by the minute and labeling the enclave as “one of the most dangerous places in the world.”
Speaking shortly before Human Rights Day on December 10, Türk highlighted the importance of respecting human rights and preventing events that history has declared should “never again” happen. He called for thorough investigations into allegations of war-time crimes against civilians and hostages committed by Israel or Hamas to ensure accountability and prevent impunity. Türk also raised concerns about the escalation of militarized violence in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, urging the Israeli authorities to address widespread impunity for violations.
Türk further addressed the allegations of sexual crimes committed by Hamas fighters during the October 7 attack on southern Israel, emphasizing the need for a full investigation to provide justice for the victims. He stressed that violence and vengeance will only lead to more violence and called for ending the occupation and achieving a two-state solution as the ultimate solution.
The international community is urged to come together with one voice to demand an immediate ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. According to authorities in Gaza, at least 16,248 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its retaliation to Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on October 7. In Israel, the official death toll stands at about 1,200.
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted on December 10, 1948, the urgency to protect human rights and ensure the safety of Palestinians in Gaza becomes even more significant. The world must unite to address this crisis and prevent further suffering in the region.
