In an address to the United Nations Security Council, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed deep concern over the recent surge in violence in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, urging for an immediate ceasefire and respect for international humanitarian law.
Speaking on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, Türk highlighted the devastating impact of coordinated explosions in Lebanon on September 17 and 18, where the detonation of communication devices, including pagers and two-way radios, claimed at least 37 lives, including two children, and injured over 3,400 people. These attacks, which targeted civilians, have left many with permanent disabilities, pushing the country’s already strained healthcare system to the brink.
“This cannot be the new normal,” said Türk. “War has rules. For each and every party to this and any other armed conflict.”
He emphasized that the use of force must always distinguish between military and civilian targets, and the simultaneous targeting of thousands without knowledge of the victims’ identities constitutes a grave violation of international law.
As Lebanon grapples with the aftermath, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which erupted in October 2023, continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians. According to Lebanese authorities, more than 500 people have died and over 110,000 have been displaced in Lebanon. Israel has also reported civilian casualties, with 48 dead and thousands displaced.
Türk expressed particular alarm over the escalating violence in Gaza, where over 41,200 Palestinians have been killed, the majority being women and children, and 95,500 injured as Israeli military operations intensify. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has been described as “catastrophic,” said Türk, with critical infrastructure destroyed and aid organizations struggling to provide life-saving assistance amidst relentless airstrikes.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of hostages, Türk underscored the pressing need for political courage to resolve the crisis. He reiterated the illegality of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as outlined by the International Court of Justice, warning that the region risks sliding into an all-out war if hostilities persist.
“The spectre of this region’s past – the unending cycles of conflict, the human rights grievances and causes of which have been ignored and trampled on – is palpable and omnipresent,” said Türk, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to halt military actions immediately.
As the conflict threatens to expand beyond Gaza, Türk called on the international community to step up its efforts to protect civilians, uphold international law, and pursue an enduring peace.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman
