The 58th session of the Human Rights Council witnessed a chilling account of the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, delivered by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The interactive dialogue shed light on the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting alarming human rights abuses and the pressing need for accountability and justice.
A fragile ceasefire currently allows the people of Gaza a momentary respite. Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees are being released, and lifesaving humanitarian aid is finally reaching those in dire need. However, this temporary calm underscores a much larger question: How can the world bring a lasting resolution to this decades-long conflict and break the relentless cycle of violence?
Türk emphasised that any vision for a better future must address the past through accountability and justice for violations. For over 57 years, Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have lived under Israeli occupation, deprived of basic human rights, including self-determination, freedom of movement, and adequate living standards. The situation in Gaza is particularly dire, with blockades amounting to collective punishment. In the West Bank, illegal settlements and escalating violence have violated international law, with a notable increase in the past three years.
The High Commissioner condemned the brutal attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023, where over 250 hostages were taken, and civilians were killed. However, he also criticised Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have consistently breached international humanitarian law.
According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, the toll of the conflict is staggering. Over 48,000 people, predominantly women and children, have been killed. More than 35,000 children are now orphans, over 1,054 medical personnel have died, and countless others have been injured or detained by Israeli forces. The death toll also includes 277 United Nations staff members and approximately 200 journalists and media workers.
The devastation in Gaza is immense, with over two-thirds of essential infrastructure destroyed or damaged. Civilian life has been upended, with homes, hospitals, schools, and the justice system left in ruins. The humanitarian catastrophe is further compounded by restrictions imposed by Israel, despite its responsibilities as the occupying power. An estimated 90% of the population has been displaced, many forced to move multiple times.
The West Bank has not been spared. The increased use of disproportionate force by Israel has led to the destruction of refugee camps, severe movement restrictions, and the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians. The situation in the northern West Bank is critical, with many now requiring urgent humanitarian assistance. Türk also highlighted the pervasive use of torture and ill-treatment of detainees by all parties involved in the conflict.
Civic space has been severely curtailed, particularly for those working on human rights and humanitarian issues. Threats, intimidation, and other repressive measures have become commonplace. Behind every grim statistic lies a life forever altered or lost, contributing to a legacy of trauma, grief, and mourning.
Türk’s report to the Human Rights Council detailed a range of human rights violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the persistent lack of accountability. He stressed that the unprecedented disregard for international humanitarian law by all parties involved raises concerns about potential war crimes and atrocity crimes.
While Israeli authorities have conducted some investigations and indictments, particularly concerning detainee abuse, doubts remain about the capacity and willingness of Israel’s justice system to ensure full accountability in line with international standards. The unlawful killings of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank remain largely unaddressed.
The report also pointed out that Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups have committed war crimes by taking hostages and indiscriminately firing projectiles into Israel. There are also grave concerns regarding the intentional placement of military objectives near Palestinian civilians. However, there is no indication that Hamas or other groups have taken steps to hold perpetrators accountable.
Türk called for an independent investigation into all violations and abuses. He stressed that ending the conflict requires the unconditional release of hostages, the freeing of arbitrarily held detainees, and an end to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territory, as outlined by the International Court of Justice.
The fragile ceasefire must hold, with both sides adhering to agreements in good faith. The international community must support the path to sustainable peace, ensuring that Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side with equal dignity and rights. Crucially, the Palestinian people must have the right to determine their own future.
Türk warned against normalising unlawful conduct, including annexation or forced transfer proposals, which could destabilise the region further. He urged leaders and communities to embrace justice, compassion, healing, and truth-telling.
The message was clear: Upholding international human rights and law is a collective responsibility. The alternative is an unthinkable future for Israelis, Palestinians, and humanity as a whole.
