November 10, 2023
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk speaks during a press conference in Amman, Jordan November 10, 2023. REUTERS/Alaa Al Sukhni.
Cited article by Reuters
HRRC underscores the urgent necessity for a thorough investigation into the alleged use of "high-impact explosive weapons" by Israel in Gaza, resulting in indiscriminate destruction and a significant humanitarian and human rights impact. Further, HRRC calls for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law to ensure justice for all affected parties.
News Brief
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called for an investigation into what he describes as Israel's use of "high-impact explosive weapons" in Gaza, asserting that it is causing indiscriminate destruction in the densely populated Palestinian enclave. Turk emphasized that Israel must cease the use of such weapons in Gaza, where 2.3 million Palestinians reside, with half of them displaced by recent fighting. The UN official did not specify the exact weapons he was referring to, and the Israeli military stated it would check and respond later. The Israeli military's air, sea, and land bombardment of Gaza, including a ground assault, aims to eliminate the militant group Hamas, which controls the territory. Turk highlighted the significant humanitarian and human rights impact of Israel's extensive bombardment in Gaza, expressing serious concerns about disproportionate attacks that may violate international humanitarian law. Additionally, he called for immediate measures to protect Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, where violence between Palestinians and Israeli forces and settlers has escalated. Turk reported that since the beginning of October, at least 176 Palestinians, including 43 children and one woman, had been killed in incidents involving Israeli security forces in the West Bank, and at least eight Palestinians had been killed by Israeli settlers.