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.”
In a strongly worded message, Dr. Rafiq Halabi, a prominent Druze leader from Israel, is calling on New York voters to oppose the candidacy of Zohran Mamdani, whom he describes as a dangerous threat to the Jewish people and the State of Israel.
Turkish nationalist leader Devlet Bahceli, who is President Tayyip Erdogan's main parliamentary ally, said on Tuesday that it "would be beneficial" to release from prison the former pro-Kurdish party leader Selahattin Demirtas.
Iraq has pledged to bring all weapons under the control of the state, but that will not work so long as there is a U.S.-led coalition in the country that some Iraqi factions view as an occupying force, the prime minister said on Monday.
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