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.”
Israel took Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf off its hit list after Pakistan requested that Washington not target them, a Pakistani source with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters on Thursday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is racing to pass a state budget and stave off early elections he would likely lose, with the war in Iran so far doing little to improve his standing in the polls.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem declared Wednesday in a televised speech that negotiating with Israel "under fire" amounted to imposed surrender, calling for unity and vowing his fighters were prepared to continue "without limits."
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