GENEVA: The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Trk, said now – more than ever – political courage, leadership and compassion are needed in the Middle East.

“The killing, destruction, as well as bellicose posturing by those in positions of power, must end. There is no alternative to resolution of this conflict than the negotiating table. Widening conflict and progressive escalation put the lives and wellbeing of potentially millions of people across the region at risk,” said Turk in a statement on the Middle East.

Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani told the media in Geneva Friday that: “The High Commissioner, Volker Trk, reminds all parties of their obligation to adhere to international humanitarian law, or the rules of war, with respect to the protection of civilians, civilian objects and infrastructure. Any alleged violations must be subjected to a prompt and thorough investigation, and those responsible where violations are found to have taken place mus
t be held to account”.

She noted that the situation for civilians on the ground in Lebanon, Gaza, Israel and Syria is getting worse by the day. The densely populated capital Beirut is increasingly being hit by Israeli air strikes, hundreds are dead, and over a million people have fled their homes throughout the country. Hezbollah and other armed groups continue to fire rockets into Israel.

“Ongoing denigration of the UN, in particular UNRWA, is unacceptable. This kind of toxic rhetoric, from any source, must stop.”

“It is important that we also keep the spotlight on the frightful human suffering continuing in Gaza. Over the last week, the Israeli military has intensified operations in North Gaza, further severing the area from the rest of the Gaza Strip and risking afresh the lives of civilians in the area,” she concluded.

Source: Emirates News Agency