IDF approves operational plans in Lebanon – DW – 18.06.2024

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed on Tuesday “appalled at the disregard for international human rights and international humanitarian law by the parties to the conflict in the Gaza Strip” and said the conflict had brought “unacceptable deaths and suffering”.

In a statement at the opening of a session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Türk cited data showing a 72% increase in the number of civilian deaths in armed conflicts and directly addressed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

“Since October 7, more than 120,000 people have been killed or injured in the Gaza Strip as a result of the intense Israeli offensives, mostly women and children,” said the UN human rights commissioner.

He also spoke of the “situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” which he said is “deteriorating dramatically.” He pointed out that “since October, 528 Palestinians … have been killed by Israeli security forces and/or settlers.”

“Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza,” Türk continued, “are causing immense suffering and widespread destruction. The arbitrary denial and obstruction of humanitarian aid continues, and Israel continues to arbitrarily detain thousands of Palestinians. This must stop.”

Referring to Hamas and its allies, Türk said: “Palestinian armed groups continue to hold numerous hostages, in some cases in densely populated areas, putting them and the Palestinian civilian population at even greater risk. These hostages must be released.”

Türk also expressed concern about the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters on the Lebanese border.

“According to reports, 401 people have already been killed in Lebanon, including medics and journalists. Over 90,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon and over 60,000 in Israel, with 25 Israeli deaths,” he said.