Published: 17:12, November 11, 2023 | Updated: 18:23, November 11, 2023
UN High Commissioner urges immediate action on Gaza crisis
By Xinhua

Palestinians mourn their relatives killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, in the hospital in Khan Younis, Nov 11, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

GENEVA -- United Nations High Commissioner of Human Rights Volker Turk on Friday portrayed the situation in Gaza, highlighting the critical need for accountability in human rights violations.

Turk advocated for an end to hate speech and incitement, emphasizing that sustainable peace necessitates the termination of occupation.

During a hybrid press conference organized at the end of his trip in Egypt and Jordan, the High Commissioner also announced the loss of 99 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees

During a hybrid press conference organized at the end of his trip in Egypt and Jordan, the High Commissioner also announced the loss of 99 staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The toll on civilians, as emphasized by Turk, has been staggering, with over 10,500 lives lost, including an alarming number of children (4,400) and women.

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He emphasized the dire need for immediate humanitarian aid, as the conflict has crippled vital infrastructure and caused communication blackouts, impeding rescue efforts and essential medical care.

Stressing the urgency, he called upon influential member states to redouble their efforts to swiftly bring the conflicted parties to a ceasefire and address the plight of civilians. 

Thousands of people gather during an open-air Friday prayer session to condemn Israeli attacks on Gaza, at a stadium in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, Nov 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

UN calls on Lebanon, Israel to adhere to humanitarian law 

A senior UN official on Friday called on Lebanon and Israel to strictly adhere to international humanitarian law and refrain from killing civilians throughout their military operations on the Lebanese southern border.

"Civilians -- including humanitarian and medical workers -- must be protected wherever they are. Civilian objects -- including homes, farms, and hospitals -- must be protected," UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Lebanon Imran Riza said in a statement.

READ MORE: Hostage families appeal for return of loved ones in Gaza ceasefire

"We have recently witnessed alarming attacks killing and injuring civilians in South Lebanon, including women, children, and media personnel. Significant damage has also been inflicted upon private property, public infrastructure, and agricultural land, forcing over 25,000 people to be displaced," the statement said.

The Lebanon-Israel border witnessed increased tension for nearly five weeks after Lebanese armed group Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets toward Shebaa Farms on Oct 8 in support of the Hamas attacks on Israel the previous day, prompting the Israeli forces to respond by firing heavy artillery toward several areas in southeastern Lebanon.  

Palestinian Ambassador to Switzerland Ibrahim Khraishi speaks after a minute of silence for all the civilians killed during the Israel-Hamas war, at the European headquarters of the United Nations, in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov 10, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)

Palestinian envoy calls for more support in Gaza

The Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva urged Western states to show stronger support for a ceasefire in Gaza while addressing a gathering of diplomats and reporters on Friday.

Khraishi voiced concern over the unequal voices of Western countries in defending Israel's right to respond and in calling for caution to reduce civilian casualties

Ibrahim Khraishi was speaking alongside more than 40 ambassadors, after observing a minute of silence for the thousands of civilian casualties in Gaza and the unprecedented fatalities among UN staff.

READ MORE: Israel to intensify fighting in Gaza despite humanitarian pause

Khraishi voiced concern over the unequal voices of Western countries in defending Israel's right to respond and in calling for caution to reduce civilian casualties.

Ambassadors attending Friday's event mainly represent Middle Eastern, Asian, and African nations. The absence of Western countries was notable, except for the Dutch ambassador who stood on the sidelines.

Khraishi said countries are considering calling a special session of the UN Human Rights Council to debate the Gaza crisis. 

Iranian, Qatari discuss political ways to end Gaza conflict

Ever since the eruption of the conflict in Gaza, the Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers have held a number of phone calls, condemning Israeli attacks, expressing support for Palestinians and exploring ways to address the humanitarian crisis

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani exchanged views on the political solutions to end the Israeli attacks against the Gaza Strip.

In a phone call on Thursday, the two sides strongly condemned the Israeli attacks against people in Gaza and expressed deep concern over the unfavorable humanitarian situation in the coastal enclave, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said on its website on Friday.

READ MORE: Russia says to pave way for early ceasefire in Gaza

They also discussed ways to achieve an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, the constant delivery of humanitarian aid, and a potential truce.

Ever since the eruption of the conflict in Gaza, the Iranian and Qatari foreign ministers have held a number of phone calls, condemning Israeli attacks, expressing support for Palestinians and exploring ways to address the humanitarian crisis.