UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk has issued an urgent appeal to governments worldwide to take action in light of the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

“Everyone in government needs to wake up to what is happening in Gaza. All those with influence must exert maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas to put an end to this unbearable suffering,” Mr Türk said at the opening of the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva on Monday.

He said a lasting peace is only possible through a two-state solution, with Gaza forming part of a future Palestinian state.

Mr Türk had delivered sharp criticism of Israel’s military campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, saying its means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians.

He condemned what he described as “disturbing, dehumanising rhetoric” by Israeli officials and criticised the ongoing blockade of UN humanitarian aid deliveries, which has been in place since March.

He also called for an investigation into deaths linked to food distribution efforts coordinated through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial initiative backed by Israel and the U.S.

Civilians are often forced to walk miles through active conflict zones to reach the limited number of GHF aid centres; dozens have been killed in the process. 

(dpa/NAN)