The UN’s human rights chief has expressed shock over Israel’s resumption of airstrikes on Gaza that have already claimed at least 404 lives, condemning the further suffering inflicted on a population already enduring “catastrophic conditions.”
In a Tuesday statement, Volker Türk voiced horror at the Monday night airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, which effectively ended the fragile ceasefire that had suspended violence in the besieged strip since mid-January. By midday local time, Palestinian authorities confirmed 404 deaths, mere hours after the strikes commenced.
“Turk emphasized that the attacks would only exacerbate tragedy upon tragedy, urging an immediate cessation of violence, the unconditional release of hostages, and the release of anyone detained arbitrarily. He underscored that the past 18 months of violence have unequivocally demonstrated that there is no military solution to the crisis, advocating for a political resolution in adherence to international law. According to Türk, further military action by Israel would only compound the hardship on Palestinians already enduring “catastrophic conditions.”
The UN’s humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Muhannad Hadi, branded Israel’s renewed aggression as “unconscionable” and urged for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire.
The European Commission expressed its dismay at the resurgence of hostilities in Gaza, calling for Hamas to release its hostages and for Israel to exercise restraint while reinstating humanitarian access to Gaza. The EU emphasized that negotiations are the sole pathway towards a resolution, with both Israeli and Palestinian populations having suffered profoundly over the past year.
Noting a strong alignment with Palestine, including the Hamas faction, Turkey denounced Israel’s strikes on Gaza as a “new phase in its policy of genocide” against Palestinians, urging the international community to firmly advocate for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Meanwhile, Russia’s government expressed concern over the escalating situation, characterizing the attacks as another concerning escalation.
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/18/un-human-rights-chief-voices-horror-at-israel-new-gaza-strikes
