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.
Lynn Williams breaks NWSL goal
Baltimore Bombers? Mullins' walk
Appeals court leaves temporary hold on New Jersey's county line primary ballot design in place
Coco Gauff reaches Stuttgart quarterfinals with win over Vickery
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
Coco Gauff reaches Stuttgart quarterfinals with win over Vickery
David and Victoria Beckham braced for release of latest tell
Man arrested after authorities say he threw pipe bomb at Satanic Temple
With Djokovic awaiting the winner, Murray trails Hanfmann at rain
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley gushes over congratulations from Queen B
‘The Blue Angels,’ filmed for IMAX, puts viewers in the ‘box’ with the elite flying squad
Emma Roberts reveals the $4,500 gift she gave an ex