UPDATE - UN rights chief urges de-escalation amid Israel-Iran tensions

UPDATES WITH FURTHER REMARKS; REVISES DECK

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Monday expressed deep concern over the recent military escalation between Israel and Iran, calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy.

"The military escalation between Israel and Iran is deeply worrying," Turk said as he presented his annual report to the 59th Human Rights Council in Geneva.

He urged all parties to engage in "urgent diplomatic negotiations to end these attacks and find a way forward."

Turk emphasized the need for both sides to respect international law, particularly in relation to the protection of civilians caught in conflict. "I call for full respect of international law by both sides, in particular the protection of civilians in densely populated areas," he said.

His remarks come amid the latest escalation, following Israeli strikes Friday on Iranian nuclear and missile facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with ballistic missiles that caused Israeli casualties and property damage.

- 'Unconscionable suffering' of Palestinians

The UN rights chief issued his starkest criticism toward the suffering inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza by Israel, saying: "Israel's means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza."

Turk accused Israel of "weaponizing food and blocking life-saving aid," and called for "immediate, impartial investigations into deadly attacks on desperate civilians trying to reach food distribution centers."

He expressed alarm at the "disturbing, dehumanizing rhetoric from senior Israeli government officials," warning that such language is "reminiscent of the gravest of crimes."

He also criticized Israel's restrictions on press access in Gaza, stating that its refusal "to allow international journalists to report from Gaza has helped its armed forces and Hamas to avoid transparency and accountability."

Calling for urgent action, he said: "All those with influence must exert maximum pressure on Israel and (the Palestinian group Hamas) to put an end to this unbearable suffering."

Turning to the situation in the occupied West Bank, Turk noted that "no day passes without attacks by Israeli security forces and settlers killing, detaining and forcibly displacing Palestinians."

He concluded by stressing the urgent need for a political solution. "Only an immediate ceasefire leading to a two-state solution, with Gaza as an integral part of a Palestinian state can offer sustainable peace."

He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages and the release of Palestinians detained arbitrarily.