The spokesperson for Volker Türk in Geneva, Jeremy Laurence, warned that the situation in Gaza could worsen if Israeli forces carry out their threat to invade the southern border city of Rafah, unless Hamas militants release the remaining hostages before the start of Ramadan. Laurence emphasized the need for peace and tolerance during the holy month of Ramadan, stating that any ground assault on Rafah would result in massive loss of life and further atrocity crimes. He also expressed concerns about potential Israeli restrictions on access to East Jerusalem and the Al Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan, which could escalate tensions.
The hostages taken during the October terror attacks have suffered for 150 days and must be unconditionally released, according to Türk. He called on Israel to comply with international humanitarian law by providing essential food and medical supplies to the civilian population in Gaza. Türk stressed the importance of fully opening border crossings and corridors to ensure the safe movement of aid convoys to civilians in need.
Türk condemned Israel’s approval of the construction of 3,476 homes in the occupied West Bank, stating that this decision exacerbates oppression, violence, and discrimination against Palestinians. He highlighted that the expansion of settlements violates international law, as it involves transferring Israeli civilians into occupied territories, which is considered a war crime. A report to the Human Rights Council detailed the significant increase in housing units within existing Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, marking the highest number since monitoring began in 2017.
The spokesperson reiterated the urgent need for an immediate end to the conflict in Gaza and called for a halt to the killing and destruction in the region. He emphasized the necessity of providing critical humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Gaza, especially in light of the deteriorating conditions and the potential for further violence. Türk urged all parties involved to prioritize peace and respect for human rights during the holy month of Ramadan, rather than escalating tensions through military actions and settlement expansions.
In conclusion, the spokesperson’s statements underscore the critical need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza and the occupied territories. He emphasized the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, providing essential aid to civilians in need, and halting settlement expansion. By addressing these issues and prioritizing peace and tolerance, there is hope for reducing further suffering and violence in the region during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond.
