Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged governments around the world to pressure Israel to end the attacks on Gaza, saying those who do not use “leverage” could be involved in “international crimes.”
He commented in a video statement released ahead of the Palestinian conference, which opens in New York on Monday. This is what he said completely:
I would like to urge an immediate step by Israel to end the illegal, continuing existence in occupied Palestinian territory and to work for concrete progress towards a two-state solution. I urge the government to use this conference opportunity to use it for concrete actions that put all possible pressure on the Israeli government to end the Gaza genocide forever. Countries that fail to use leverage may be complicit in international crime.
Every day we see the indescribable tragedy of terror and frustration in Gaza and the West Bank. Every day we see more destruction, more murder, more dehumanization of the Palestinians. People around the world will judge what this conference has to offer. I once again call for an immediate, permanent ceasefire, immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and all other hostages, immediate and unhindered humanitarian access, and extensive humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians wherever they are.