Geneva, February 26 (QNA) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that Israel’s actions in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, including military operations causing displacement, aimed at creating a permanent demographic change, raising concerns over potential ethnic cleansing.
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council, Turk highlighted ongoing military operations in northern West Bank that have displaced 32,000 Palestinians and criticized Israel for obstructing humanitarian access to food, shelter, fuel, and medical supplies.
He condemned Israel’s late-2025 decision to suspend 37 aid organizations in Gaza, block UNRWA operations, and demolish offices in East Jerusalem, calling it a clear violation of international law. Turk also warned that land seizures and settlement expansion in the West Bank threaten Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
He urged Israel to end its illegal occupation in line with the International Court of Justice and emphasized that continued impunity for serious violations is extremely troubling. (QNA)