GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk on Sunday urgently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, in response to the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in the region.

According to Jordan News Agency, the recent events in Gaza, including the high number of casualties at schools being used as shelters and the mass displacement of civilians, are in stark violation of the basic protections afforded to civilians under international law. Trk highlighted the harrowing scenes at Al Fakhoura School, where a large number of women, children, and men were reportedly wounded or killed following an Israeli strike. The situation at Al Shifa Hospital, a critical medical facility, has also deteriorated, with ongoing military operations forcing medical personnel and patients to flee. Trk emphasized that the Israeli military’s actions, including ordering civilians to evacuate and targeting areas with high civilian presence, are in direct conflict with the principles of international humanitarian law. He stressed the importance of adhering to the rules of distinction, proportionality, and precautions in conducting attacks, warning that failure to do so could constitute war crimes. Trk expressed deep concern over the dire situation faced by civilians in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire on humanitarian and human rights grounds.