Human Rights Council: Gaza Ceasefire Must Hold, Türk Insists
GENEVA, Switzerland – 2025-02-26 (12:00 GMT) – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, today issued a forceful statement before the Human Rights Council, emphasizing the urgent need for the sustained continuation of the recently established ceasefire in Gaza. Addressing the Council in Geneva, Türk underscored the devastating impact of the previous conflict on the civilian population and warned of catastrophic consequences should hostilities resume.
“The fragile ceasefire currently holding in Gaza is a lifeline, a desperately needed window for healing and rebuilding,” Türk stated. “It is imperative that all parties, including Hamas and Israel, uphold their commitments and actively work towards a lasting peace. We cannot afford a return to the cycle of violence that has claimed so many innocent lives and left Gaza teetering on the brink of humanitarian collapse.”
Türk’s remarks came amidst growing concerns over sporadic breaches of the ceasefire agreement, including reports of rocket fire from Gaza and retaliatory air strikes by Israeli forces. While the incidents have been limited in scope, they have sparked fears that the uneasy truce could unravel.
Focus on Humanitarian Crisis:
The High Commissioner devoted a significant portion of his address to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. He highlighted the widespread destruction of infrastructure, the severe shortage of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine, and the ongoing displacement of thousands of Gazan residents.
“The scale of the humanitarian needs in Gaza is staggering,” Türk explained. “We must ensure unhindered access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid and support to those who desperately need it. This includes facilitating the movement of personnel and supplies through border crossings and protecting humanitarian workers from attack.”
He reiterated the importance of investigating alleged violations of international humanitarian law during the previous conflict, stressing the need for accountability for all parties involved. This call echoes previous resolutions from the Council urging investigations into potential war crimes committed during the fighting.
Call for Long-Term Solutions:
Türk emphasized that a sustainable ceasefire is only the first step towards achieving long-term stability and peace in the region. He urged the international community to actively engage in efforts to address the root causes of the conflict, including the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories, the blockade of Gaza, and the lack of political progress towards a two-state solution.
“We must break free from the endless cycle of violence and address the underlying drivers of this conflict,” Türk asserted. “This requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the political, economic, and social grievances of both Israelis and Palestinians. It demands a commitment to justice, equality, and the full realization of human rights for all.”
Specific Demands and Recommendations:
In his address, Türk made the following specific demands and recommendations:
- Strict Adherence to Ceasefire: He urged all parties to fully respect the terms of the ceasefire agreement and refrain from any actions that could escalate tensions.
- Unimpeded Humanitarian Access: He called on Israel to ensure full and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations to Gaza, removing all restrictions on the movement of personnel and supplies.
- Accountability for Violations: He reiterated the need for independent and impartial investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law during the previous conflict.
- Ending the Blockade: He advocated for the gradual lifting of the blockade of Gaza to allow for economic recovery and improved living conditions for the civilian population.
- Renewed Peace Process: He urged the international community to revitalize efforts to achieve a two-state solution, based on internationally recognized borders and principles.
- International Funding: He called for increased international funding to support humanitarian relief, reconstruction efforts, and long-term development projects in Gaza.
International Response:
Türk’s statement was met with varying degrees of support from member states of the Human Rights Council. Many countries echoed his concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for a lasting peace. However, some countries, particularly those with close ties to Israel, expressed reservations about certain aspects of his remarks, particularly regarding the investigation of alleged violations of international law and the call to end the blockade.
The Human Rights Council is expected to hold further discussions on the situation in Gaza in the coming days, with the potential for resolutions being proposed and voted upon. The international community remains deeply divided on the issue, making it challenging to forge a unified and effective response to the ongoing crisis.
Background:
The most recent conflict in Gaza, which occurred in late 2024 and early 2025, resulted in the deaths of thousands of people, including many civilians. The conflict also caused widespread destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure. The UN estimates that it will take years to rebuild Gaza and address the long-term consequences of the conflict. The fragility of the current ceasefire highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that respects the human rights of all individuals in the region. The Council’s continued attention to the situation remains crucial in ensuring accountability and promoting a just and lasting peace.
Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
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