The High Commissioner for Human Rights calls on the world to prevent a comprehensive humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the world to act to prevent a “complete collapse of vital life-saving support in Gaza,” as Israeli airstrikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights urged the world to act to prevent a “complete collapse of vital life-saving support in Gaza,” as Israeli airstrikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities. In a statement issued today, Volker Türk stressed the need for concerted international efforts “to prevent this humanitarian catastrophe from reaching an unprecedented level” as the comprehensive aid blockade enters its ninth week.

With the Strip’s remaining food stocks rapidly depleting, the High Commissioner warned that “any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime, as do all forms of collective punishment.”
The press release referred to reports of an Israeli plan to declare Rafah Governorate a new “humanitarian zone.” Mr. Türk said that “such a plan would almost certainly mean forcing large parts of Gaza and those unable to move easily—including people with disabilities, the sick and wounded, and women who head entire families—to go without food.”