Human Rights Council: Gaza Ceasefire Must Hold, Türk Insists
Geneva – February 26, 2025, 12:00 PM – Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, today delivered a forceful statement to the Human Rights Council, emphasizing the crucial need for a sustained and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. Speaking before the council in Geneva, Türk painted a grim picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the region and warned against the devastating consequences of a resumption of hostilities.
“The fragile ceasefire currently holding in Gaza is a vital lifeline for millions of civilians already reeling from months of relentless conflict and immense suffering,” Türk stated. “It is imperative that all parties involved uphold the terms of this agreement and work towards a durable solution that ensures the protection of human rights for all.”
The High Commissioner highlighted several key concerns that demand immediate attention:
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Humanitarian Crisis: Türk reiterated the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the widespread lack of access to food, water, medical care, and shelter. He pointed out that the destruction of critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, has severely hampered the provision of essential services. “The international community must drastically scale up its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, ensuring aid reaches those who need it most without delay or impediment,” he urged.
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Accountability for Violations: Türk stressed the importance of investigating alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed during the conflict. He called on all parties to cooperate fully with independent investigations and ensure accountability for perpetrators. “Impunity only perpetuates cycles of violence,” he warned. “Justice and redress for victims are essential for building lasting peace and reconciliation.”
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Release of Hostages and Detainees: The High Commissioner reiterated his call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held captive in Gaza, as well as the fair treatment and release of Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities. He emphasized that holding civilians as hostages constitutes a grave violation of international law.
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Long-Term Solution: Türk emphasized the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on international law and relevant UN resolutions. He underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the occupation of Palestinian territory, the blockade of Gaza, and the discriminatory treatment of Palestinians. “A just and lasting peace can only be achieved through a negotiated settlement that guarantees the rights and dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis,” he stated.
Reactions to Türk’s Statement:
Türk’s statement has been met with mixed reactions from member states of the Human Rights Council. Several countries, including members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and certain European nations, expressed strong support for his call for a sustained ceasefire and accountability for human rights violations. These nations emphasized the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promoting a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
However, some countries, notably the United States and Israel, have expressed reservations about certain aspects of Türk’s statement. They have argued that the High Commissioner’s remarks did not adequately address the security concerns of Israel and the need to combat terrorism. These nations emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense and the importance of holding Hamas accountable for its actions.
Background and Context:
The current ceasefire in Gaza was brokered in late January after months of intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with thousands of Palestinians killed or injured and widespread destruction of property in Gaza.
The Human Rights Council has been actively involved in addressing the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including Gaza. The council has repeatedly called for an end to the occupation, respect for international law, and accountability for human rights violations.
Looking Ahead:
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the current ceasefire in Gaza will hold and whether progress can be made towards a more durable solution to the conflict. The international community, including the Human Rights Council, has a vital role to play in ensuring that human rights are protected, humanitarian needs are met, and a peaceful resolution is achieved. The pressure is on all parties to prioritize dialogue, de-escalation, and respect for international law in order to prevent a further descent into violence and suffering. The Council is expected to hold further discussions on the Gaza situation in the coming days, including potential resolutions and investigations.
Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
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