UN Human Rights chief, Volter Turk, has strongly criticized Israel’s complete siege of the Gaza strip, emphasizing that such actions are in violation of international law.

Turk stressed the importance of respecting the dignity of lives of civilians and urged all parties involved to de-escalate the rapidly deteriorating situation in the region.

The condemnation comes on the heels of a surprising weekend assault by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel, during which they abducted approximately 150 people. In response to ongoing Israeli airstrikes targeting Gaza residents without prior warning, Hamas issued a threat to execute the hostages.

Israel’s decision to impose a total siege on the Gaza Strip, which includes cutting off food, water, and electricity supplies, has raised grave concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation. Such actions not only violate international humanitarian law but also risk exacerbating the already dire human rights and humanitarian issues in Gaza.

Medical facilities are struggling to operate efficeintly, particularly due to the increasing number of injuries resulting from the ongoing hostilities.

“International humanitarian law is clear: the obligation to take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects remains applicable throughout the attacks,” Volker Turk said. “The siege not only endangers the lives of civilians but also deprives them of essential goods required for their survival, which is expressly prohibited under international humanitarian law.”

Any restrictions imposed on the movement of people and goods to implement a siege must be justified by military necessity and should not amount to collective punishment. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the international community closely watches the unfolding situation with growing concerns.

It is essential to note that any restrictions imposed on the movement of people and goods to implement a siege must be justified by military necessity and should not amount to collective punishment, as emphasized in the statement. As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the international community closely watches the unfolding situation with growing concern.