High Commissioner for Human Rights: Civilians not a weapon of war
Published: Thursday, Nov 16th 2023, 11:30
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The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned the abuse of civilians as weapons in the Gaza war.
"It is obvious that some on both sides see the killing of civilians either as acceptable collateral damage or as a deliberate and useful weapon of war," he told representatives of UN member states in Geneva on Thursday. "This is a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe. It represents a breakdown in the most basic respect for humane values."
Türk condemned the attacks by terrorists from the Gaza Strip on Israel on October 7 and the kidnapping of hostages. He criticized Israel's ongoing attacks on the Gaza Strip since then, which - according to the authorities in the Gaza Strip - have resulted in more than 11,000 deaths.
The Israeli ambassador rejected Turkey's criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. It was unacceptable that terrorists hiding in schools, hospitals or homes should not be attacked. There is no principle in international humanitarian law according to which terrorists who mingle with the civilian population cannot be attacked. On the other hand, operations to prevent further attacks are permitted.
The ambassador of the Palestinian territories accused Israel of lying in connection with the terrorist attacks on October 7. Palestinians have been fighting for their rights for 75 years. He accused Israel of fighting civilians rather than the Palestinian organization Hamas. "Okay, fight Hamas, but don't kill our children and women," he said, visibly agitated.
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