Israel committing war crimes in Gaza and West Bank: UN rights chief

UN rights chief Volker Turk has condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank as “absolutely horrific”, describing them as a relentless cycle of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations, Turk dismissed suggestions that the crisis in Gaza was being ignored, stressing: “If you look at all the statements I’ve made … I speak about Gaza almost every week.”

He said the international community must take urgent steps to end the suffering, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of captives.

“The solution is clear: We need a ceasefire. We need the release of all hostages, and I believe we need a path for peace,” he told the gathering.