Gaza catastrophe demands unhindered aid access, respect for law: UN rights chief

Volker Turk warns West Bank annexation, lack of accountability threaten peace prospects

The UN high commissioner for human rights said Friday that the Human Rights Council delivered "very clear messages" on the urgent need to address Gaza's catastrophic humanitarian crisis, ensure accountability, and uphold international law. Volker 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." The human rights chief emphasized that a ceasefire must be respected and implemented in line with international law, while attacks on humanitarian workers and restrictions on aid organizations worsen civilian suffering. He expressed hope the council's "clear and loud message" would help guide efforts "towards peace" based on international humanitarian and human rights law.   - Türkiye calls for ceasefire, aid surge, Israeli withdrawal Türkiye's envoy to UN Geneva, Burak Akcapar, also addressed the session, in which he said a ceasefire is "essential to stop further bloodshed and to create space for unhindered humanitarian assistance, early recovery, and meaningful political engagement." He stressed that aid must be significantly increased and allowed to flow without obstruction. According to Akcapar, recovery and reconstruction in Gaza should begin "without delay" and called for the effective functioning of governance mechanisms to support rebuilding efforts. He urged Israel to withdraw from Gaza rather than expand its occupation and warned that rising tensions in the West Bank, including the expansion of illegal settlements, are "contrary to international law." Reaffirming Türkiye's position, the envoy said his country remains "firmly committed to a just and lasting, two-state solution" grounded in UN resolutions and international law, adding that Türkiye stands in "full solidarity with the Palestinian people."