UN: Nearly 1,000 Palestinians Killed Since October Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Rights Crisis
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has reported that since the ceasefire was declared last October, approximately 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the vast majority of whom are civilians. Volker Türk described this figure as evidence of a continuing serious human rights crisis in the Palestinian territories.
Türk warned of what he called an “unprecedented and blatant assault on international law,” emphasizing that the world faces deep human rights challenges, resulting in extensive human suffering. He added that Israeli forces have continued military operations even after the ceasefire.
According to the High Commissioner, restrictions on the delivery of vital aid to Gaza have forced residents into increasingly shrinking areas. He warned that this situation has made the living conditions of civilians even more difficult.
In the West Bank, Türk reported an intensification of community demolitions and a rapid acceleration of land annexation by Israeli security forces and settlers. Based on information provided by his office, since the beginning of this year, 57 people have been killed, approximately 1,300 injured, hundreds detained, and 23 land seizure orders issued.
He also described statements by some Israeli officials about the “removal” of all Palestinians from Gaza and ending any possibility of establishing an independent Palestinian state as inconsistent with international law.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights additionally expressed concern over extensive Israeli attacks on residential areas and basic infrastructure in Lebanon. According to him, these attacks have resulted in around 3,600 deaths, including hundreds of women and children, over 11,000 injuries, and more than one million displaced persons.
Türk called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and investigations into potential violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws by all parties. He also announced an agreement with the Lebanese government to deploy an independent and impartial assessment mission.
Furthermore, he voiced deep concern over the intensifying war in Ukraine, stating that his office documented over 7,000 civilian casualties in the first five months of this year—a figure that represents an increase compared to the same period over the past three years.
