By HRP staff
Nov. 22, 2023, 10:30 am ET
In an exclusive interview with FRANCE 24, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, voiced profound worry about the dire humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, characterizing it as “apocalyptic.” Türk condemned “grave breaches of international humanitarian law,” pointing to the Israeli blockade and the use of explosives in densely populated areas. On deliberate targeting of Gaza civilians, Türk asserted, “the facts speak for themselves.”
Regarding Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoking Article 99 of the UN charter, Türk emphasized its urgency, stating, “We cannot pretend there is any meaningful humanitarian assistance.” He labeled it a “clarion call to the world.”
Asked about Hamas’s sexual crimes on October 7, Türk condemned them and called for an investigation, expressing concern about rising anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim bigotry. Türk also deplored the disastrous situation in Sudan, urging accountability and justice.
