Press release
Geneva – January 16, 2024
The spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Liz Throssell, renewed the call made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid unconditionally.
In a statement released today, Throssel underscored the devastating toll of the conflict, with 1,200 casualties, primarily Israelis, and the taking of approximately 250 hostages by Palestinian armed groups. Over the past fourteen weeks, Israel’s extensive military response has resulted in the tragic loss of over 23,000 Palestinian lives, including nearly two-thirds being women and children. Civilian infrastructure in Gaza, including homes, hospitals, schools, bakeries, places of worship, and water networks, has faced widespread destruction.
The UN Human Rights Office has consistently condemned Israel’s failure to adhere to the basic principles of international humanitarian law, including distinction, proportionality, and precautions during attacks. Such violations could lead to war crimes liability, and the Office has warned of the potential for other atrocity crimes.
Throssel emphasized that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) must take immediate measures to provide complete protection to civilians by international law. She clarified that directing civilians to relocate does not exempt the IDF from their obligation to protect those who remain during military operations.
Reports have indicated arbitrary detentions of hundreds of Palestinians, some subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, and ill-treatment by the IDF. The UN calls for independent and effective investigations into these acts, prosecution of perpetrators, and preventive measures to ensure accountability.
The situation in northern Gaza is described as desperate, with severe food, water, and necessities shortages. Despite repeated UN appeals for IDF cooperation in facilitating the movement of humanitarian convoys, access remains challenging. Southern Gaza faces overcrowding, with over 1.3 million internally displaced people in Rafah, a stark increase from its pre-conflict population of 300,000.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the UN Human Rights Office has verified the killing of 330 Palestinians, including 84 children, between October 7, 2023, and January 10, 2024. Of these, 321 were killed by Israeli security forces, eight by settlers, and one by either Israeli forces or settlers.
The UN Human Rights Office remains committed to monitoring and documenting the human rights situation in Gaza and the West Bank. Two comprehensive reports on accountability and settlements will be submitted to the UN Human Rights Council during its next session in late February.
