UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, is calling for fresh efforts by “all states with influence” to ease the “horrific” conditions in Gaza and the West Bank.

Mr Türk said in a statement on Tuesday that “resolving the catastrophic situation of civilians in Gaza must remain a priority. Violence in

the West Bank is a matter of grave concern.”

Israel has continued to obstruct the import and distribution of aid supplies into the Gaza Strip, which is a violation of international law, the high commissioner added.

He demanded the release of hostages taken from Israel in October 2023, a ceasefire in Gaza.

He said, “There should be an unfettered access for all humanitarian aid workers to alleviate the plight of the civilian population in the Palestinian territory.”

The UN Human Rights Office had received reports that the Israeli military had attacked eight Mosques during the Eid el Fitr celebrations, marking the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

“Places of worship are protected under the laws of war,” Mr Türk said.

In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians are coming under frequent attack by mobs of Israeli settlers, who are often supported by the military.

After the killing of a 14-year-old Israeli boy from a settler family, four Palestinians, including a child, were killed in acts of revenge.

“Israel, as the occupying power, must take all measures in its power to restore and ensure, as far as possible, public order and safety in the occupied West Bank,” he urged.

(dpa/NAN)