The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed horror at the loss of civilian lives in the war-torn enclave of Gaza. He condemned Israel for its use of methods and means of warfare that have resulted in numerous civilian deaths, stating that there is no safe place in Gaza. Türk called for accountability and urged all parties to the conflict to implement a ceasefire to protect civilians.
On 26 May, Palestinian armed groups launched a large barrage of rockets towards Tel Aviv, injuring several people. In retaliation, munitions from an Israeli aircraft struck a camp in Rafah, causing explosions and fires. The area was housing displaced people from North Gaza. The Israeli Defence Forces claimed the strike targeted senior Hamas officials, but reports indicated that civilians were harmed. Türk called for a review of the incident and stressed the need for accountability and changes in policy and practices.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident in Rafah. He urged the Israeli authorities to hold those responsible for any wrongdoing accountable and take immediate steps to better protect civilians. Wennesland emphasized the importance of refraining from actions that could escalate hostilities and further destabilize the region.
The UN independent human rights expert on housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, condemned the attack on civilians in Rafah as a monstrous atrocity. He called for global action to halt the war and protect women and children who are most vulnerable in conflict zones. Rajagopal’s statement echoed Türk’s call for accountability and changes in policy to prevent further civilian casualties.
The situation in Gaza remains tense as both Palestinian armed groups and Israeli forces continue to exchange fire, putting civilians at risk. The UN has urged all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians and implement a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. The international community has called for accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and for measures to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians in conflict zones. Concerted global action is needed to bring an end to the violence and facilitate a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict in the region.
