On Monday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized the urgent need to end the nearly year-long war in Gaza and called on countries to respond to Israel’s “blatant disregard” for international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In his speech at the opening of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk stated, “States must not – cannot – accept blatant disregard for international law, including binding decisions of the UN Security Council and orders of the International Court of Justice, neither in this nor any other situation.”
Turk referenced a July opinion by the UN’s top court that deemed Israel’s occupation illegal, stressing the need for a comprehensive response. Israel has dismissed this opinion.
