U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said Friday that the Human Rights Council had delivered “very clear messages” on the urgent need to address Gaza’s catastrophic humanitarian crisis, ensure accountability and uphold international law, noting that the situation has worsened amid Israel’s ongoing violations and restrictions on aid.
Turk stressed, during his closing remarks at the occupied Palestinian territories session, that "everything has to be done to ensure that there is unhindered access to humanitarian aid," describing the situation as a central concern of member states.
Turk pointed to the messages that International Court of Justice rulings and opinions outlining obligations under international law must be respected, which is described as essential to ending the conflict.
He also warned that developments in the West Bank are increasingly dangerous, saying, "The de facto annexation that is happening is extremely dangerous" and undermines Palestinians' right to self-determination and a two-state solution.
Accountability for violations by all parties is critical, he added, noting that without it "we are going to continue the bloodshed that we currently see."
