UN human rights chief condemns killings of women and children in Rafah
People mourn victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 12, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
The United Nations' (UN) Human Rights chief Volker Turk has strongly condemned recent Israeli strikes in Rafah that resulted in the deaths of many women and children.
In a statement on Tuesday, Turk also warned against a full-scale incursion into an area with over 1.2 million civilians, saying it would violate international humanitarian and human rights law, likely leading to more atrocities.
In March, the UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire, he stressed.
Moreover, he underscored the need for global solidarity to protect civilians in Rafah, recalling recent tragedies such as a premature baby delivered from a mother who had been mortally wounded in an air strike and the deaths of numerous children and women in separate strikes.
The UN human rights chief called for immediate actions to halt this suffering, calling for independent investigations into reports of mass graves and the destruction of medical facilities. He stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and unimpeded humanitarian aid.
Related articles
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) — Kosovo’s Cabinet renewed efforts with a new draft law on renting a prison in2024-05-21Eta Aquariids Meteor Shower peaks tonight with up to 50 shooting stars every hour
One of the fastest meteor showers of the year is nearly upon us, astronomers say. Up to 50 'shooting2024-05-21Heavy rains ease around Houston but flooding remains after hundreds of rescues and evacuations
HOUSTON (AP) — Floodwaters closed some Texas schools on Monday after days of heavy rains pummeled th2024-05-21Nick Gordon homers and gets 4 hits to lead Marlins past A's 12
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Nick Gordon had four hits, including his first home run in three weeks, and t2024-05-21Nadal returns to Roland Garros to practice amid doubts over fitness and form
PARIS (AP) — Rafael Nadal returned to Roland Garros on Monday to practice and try and figure out whe2024-05-21Celebrating excellence in journalism and the arts, Pulitzer Prizes to be awarded Monday
NEW YORK (AP) — The Pulitzer Prizes are set to be announced on Monday, traditionally the most antici2024-05-21
atest comment