Human Rights Council: Gaza Ceasefire Must Hold, Türk Insists
Geneva – February 26, 2025 (12:00 GMT) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has delivered a forceful plea to the international community, insisting that the ceasefire in Gaza, currently in its third week, must be maintained and strengthened to pave the way for lasting peace and accountability for past violations. Türk’s statement, delivered to the Human Rights Council in Geneva today, underscores the fragile nature of the truce and the urgent need to address the root causes of the conflict to prevent future escalations.
While welcoming the cessation of hostilities that brought an end to the recent round of violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, Türk emphasized that a ceasefire alone is not enough. He painted a stark picture of the devastation wrought by the conflict, highlighting the heavy toll on civilian lives, particularly women and children, and the widespread destruction of homes, infrastructure, and essential services.
“The ceasefire provides a crucial window of opportunity,” Türk stated. “But this opportunity must be seized with both hands. We cannot afford to return to the cycle of violence, loss, and despair that has plagued Gaza for far too long. It is imperative that all parties fully respect the terms of the ceasefire and actively work towards its consolidation.”
Focus on Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction:
Türk stressed the immediate need for unimpeded access for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza. He reiterated the call for the complete lifting of the blockade, which he described as a key factor contributing to the dire humanitarian situation in the Strip. “The blockade continues to stifle the economy, restrict movement, and deprive the population of essential resources,” he argued. “Reconstruction efforts are hampered by the limitations on the entry of building materials, leaving countless families displaced and vulnerable.”
The High Commissioner urged Member States to provide generous and sustained financial assistance to support the reconstruction of Gaza and to address the urgent needs of the affected population, including healthcare, education, and psychosocial support. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring accountability for attacks on humanitarian workers and facilities.
Accountability and Justice Paramount:
A significant portion of Türk’s address focused on the need for accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law committed during the recent conflict. He reiterated the UN Human Rights Office’s commitment to independently monitoring and documenting these violations, and urged both Israeli and Palestinian authorities to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into allegations of war crimes.
“Impunity breeds further violence and undermines the prospects for lasting peace,” Türk asserted. “All victims of violations, regardless of their identity, have the right to justice and redress. Accountability is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial deterrent to future violations.”
He specifically mentioned reports of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. He also condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli territory, emphasizing that all parties must adhere to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in the conduct of hostilities.
Addressing Root Causes of the Conflict:
Beyond the immediate need for humanitarian assistance and accountability, Türk emphasized the importance of addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, including the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory, the expansion of settlements, and the lack of progress towards a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He reiterated the UN’s longstanding call for a two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states. He also stressed the importance of empowering Palestinians and ensuring their right to self-determination.
“Ultimately, lasting peace will only be achieved through a comprehensive political solution that addresses the legitimate grievances of both sides,” Türk concluded. “The international community must redouble its efforts to promote dialogue, negotiation, and reconciliation, and to create the conditions for a just and sustainable peace.”
Reactions and Concerns:
Türk’s statement has been met with a range of reactions from Member States and human rights organizations. Many have welcomed his call for accountability and his emphasis on the need to address the root causes of the conflict. However, some have criticized him for allegedly failing to adequately condemn the actions of Palestinian armed groups, while others have accused him of unfairly singling out Israel.
The Israeli government has yet to formally respond to Türk’s address, but sources within the Foreign Ministry have indicated that they are reviewing the statement. Palestinian officials have welcomed Türk’s call for accountability and have reiterated their commitment to working with the international community to achieve a just and lasting peace.
Human rights organizations have echoed Türk’s concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for accountability. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both called for independent investigations into alleged war crimes and have urged the International Criminal Court to expedite its investigations into the situation in Palestine.
Looking Ahead:
The coming weeks and months will be crucial in determining whether the current ceasefire will hold and whether progress can be made towards a more sustainable peace. The international community must remain engaged and actively support efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ensure accountability for past violations, and address the underlying causes of the conflict. Türk’s call to action serves as a vital reminder of the urgency of the situation and the need for concerted action to prevent further suffering and loss of life. The Human Rights Council is expected to debate the issue further in the coming days, with a resolution on the situation in Palestine likely to be tabled.
Human Rights Council: Gaza ceasefire must hold, Türk insists
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