The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Friday condemned Israel’s newly approved plan for a full-scale military takeover of Gaza City, warning it would lead to more “deaths and suffering” and must be halted “immediately.”
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk © Mena Today
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, on Friday condemned Israel’s newly approved plan for a full-scale military takeover of Gaza City, warning it would lead to more “deaths and suffering” and must be halted “immediately.”
In a statement, Türk claimed the move violates the International Court of Justice’s ruling calling for an end to Israel’s occupation, undermines the two-state solution, and infringes on the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
But observers say the condemnation is unsurprising, given Türk’s long-standing record of harshly criticizing Israel while rarely acknowledging its right to self-defense or its humanitarian efforts, even under intense rocket fire or terror threats.
“Volker Türk has made a career out of condemning Israel,” noted one regional analyst. “What’s telling is that he has never publicly commended the country for any action — not even for humanitarian corridors, medical evacuations, or targeted warnings to civilians in conflict zones.”
The Israeli political-security cabinet gave the green light early Friday to extend operations and seize full control of Gaza City, as Israel continues its nearly two-year campaign to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure. The decision comes amid increasing international pressure and domestic debate over the war’s toll and direction.
Israeli officials insist that a military presence in northern Gaza is essential to eliminate entrenched terror networks and prevent Hamas’s return. The plan, they argue, aligns with Israel’s national security priorities and aims to restore stability after the October 7 massacre that claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives.
While UN officials and critics accuse Israel of escalating a humanitarian crisis, supporters counter that global institutions like the UNHRC have lost credibility due to their selective outrage and politicized stance on the conflict.
“Statements like Turk’s don’t promote peace,” said one diplomat. “They promote paralysis and impunity for terror.”
A new poll conducted between April 28 and May 5 reveals a striking picture of Lebanese public opinion on a potential peace agreement with Israel: across most of the country's major religious communities, support is either strong or majority, with one dramatic exception.
The organisers of an aid flotilla bound for Gaza said on Tuesday Israeli forces had intercepted 41 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, with 10 vessels still sailing toward the enclave.
The organisers of a flotilla of aid vessels bound for Gaza said on Monday that Israeli forces had intercepted 39 of their boats in the eastern Mediterranean, while the remaining ships were continuing to sail toward the enclave.
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