The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed his regret on Monday over the repercussions of the economic sanctions on Iran, noting their impact on the lives of civilians, particularly groups such as seafarers.
Speaking at the opening of the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk referred to reports of thousands of casualties during recent protests, along with executions and arrests of demonstrators, calling on all parties to exercise restraint and respect human rights.
Regarding the Middle East, Türk stressed the need to solidify the ceasefire in Gaza and achieve a lasting truce. He pointed out that Israeli forces have killed nearly 1,000 Palestinians since the ceasefire in October, in addition to tightening restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid, which has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
In the West Bank, the High Commissioner stated that the pace of displacement, community destruction, and land confiscation has accelerated, noting that dozens have been killed, thousands injured, and hundreds arrested, amidst ongoing settlement activity and territorial expansion.
He added that some statements issued by Israeli officials include calls to displace Palestinians or prevent the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, describing this as illegal, and stressed the need for international pressure to stop the fighting and hold those responsible for the violations accountable.
