logo
UN warns of high risk of abuses in Israel's Gaza operations

UN warns of high risk of abuses in Israel's Gaza operations

The Sun2 days ago
GENEVA: The United Nations issued a stark warning on Tuesday, stating that Israel's expanded military operations in central Gaza carry an 'extremely high' risk of serious violations of international law.
UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasised that permanently displacing Gaza's population could constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
'These Israeli airstrikes and ground operations will invariably lead to further civilian deaths and destruction of civilian infrastructure,' Turk said.
'Given the concentration of civilians in the area, and the means and methods of warfare employed by Israel until now, the risks of unlawful killings and other serious violations of international humanitarian law are extremely high.'
The town of Deir el-Balah faced intense shelling on Monday, following evacuation orders from Israel's military.
Initial UN estimates suggest between 50,000 and 80,000 people were in the area when the order was issued.
'The latest Israeli displacement orders, followed by intensive attacks on south-western Deir el-Balah... have added more misery to the suffering of hungry Palestinians,' Turk said.
'It seemed the nightmare couldn't possibly get worse. And yet it does.'
The UN highlighted that the targeted area includes humanitarian facilities such as clinics, shelters and warehouses.
Thousands have already fled, forced into overcrowded zones where aid delivery is increasingly difficult.
'I remind Israel that permanently displacing people living under its occupation would amount to unlawful transfer, which is a war crime, and in certain circumstances, may also amount to a crime against humanity,' Turk stressed.
He called for an immediate halt to military actions and urged Israel to ensure essential supplies reach civilians.
'More and more countries are joining the calls to shake us out of this nightmare,' he added. – AFP
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump mourns Hulk Hogan as 'great friend,' 'MAGA all the way'
Trump mourns Hulk Hogan as 'great friend,' 'MAGA all the way'

New Straits Times

time3 hours ago

  • New Straits Times

Trump mourns Hulk Hogan as 'great friend,' 'MAGA all the way'

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Thursday paid tribute to late wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, who had supported his return to the White House, as a "great friend" and "MAGA all the way." "He gave an absolutely electric speech at the Republican National Convention, that was one of the highlights of the entire week. He entertained fans from all over the World, and the cultural impact he had was massive," Trump said on social media. In the speech, Hogan ripped his shirt off to reveal a Trump-Vance tank top. — AFP

Budapest mayor to face police questioning over banned Pride march
Budapest mayor to face police questioning over banned Pride march

The Sun

time7 hours ago

  • The Sun

Budapest mayor to face police questioning over banned Pride march

BUDAPEST: Police will question Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony as a suspect for organising the city's 30th Pride parade, which authorities had banned earlier this year. The mayor's office confirmed the summons to AFP on Thursday, stating he will be questioned next week. The June event saw a record turnout, with organisers estimating over 200,000 participants. Many viewed the march as a protest against Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government, which has tightened restrictions on LGBTQ rights under the banner of 'child protection.' In February, Orban announced plans to ban the annual Pride celebration. His ruling coalition later passed legislation prohibiting such events, prompting Budapest city hall to step in as co-organiser in an attempt to bypass the new rules. Despite this, police enforced the ban, with Orban warning of 'legal consequences' for attendees. 'The mayor was summoned as a suspect by the investigating authority and will be questioned next week,' the mayor's office told AFP. Police have already launched an investigation against an 'unknown perpetrator' for organising an unauthorised rally. If formally charged, Karacsony could face up to a year in prison. Karacsony, an environmentalist and opposition figure, defended his actions on Facebook, writing, 'I became a suspect, and if that is the price we have to pay in this country for standing up for our own freedom and that of others, then I am proud of it.' Orban previously condemned the Pride march as a 'disgrace,' while his government accused the opposition of acting 'at Brussels' command' to impose 'woke culture' on Hungary. Despite threats of fines up to 500 euros ($590), police later announced they would not penalise attendees. – AFP

Saudi Arabia invests $6.4 billion to rebuild Syria's infrastructure
Saudi Arabia invests $6.4 billion to rebuild Syria's infrastructure

The Sun

time8 hours ago

  • The Sun

Saudi Arabia invests $6.4 billion to rebuild Syria's infrastructure

DAMASCUS: Saudi Arabia signed major investment deals worth $6.4 billion with Syria on Thursday to support the reconstruction of the war-torn country's infrastructure, telecommunications, and other key sectors. The agreements were announced at the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held at the Damascus presidential palace. Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih confirmed the signing of 47 agreements and memoranda of understanding, totaling nearly 24 billion Saudi riyals. 'This marks a new chapter in the economic cooperation between our nations,' he said. Syrian Economy Minister Mohammed al-Shaar described the forum as 'a historic milestone in the history of relations between our two brotherly countries.' The deals include 11 billion riyals ($2.9 billion) allocated for infrastructure, including the construction of three cement factories. Saudi telecom firms will invest four billion riyals ($1.07 billion) to upgrade Syria's digital infrastructure and cybersecurity. Additional agreements cover agriculture and finance, aiming to revive key sectors after 14 years of conflict. The UN estimates Syria's reconstruction costs exceed $400 billion. The new government, which took power after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad in December, seeks international support for recovery efforts. Earlier this month, the US lifted sanctions on Syria, following appeals from Saudi Arabia and Turkey. In May, Syria secured a $7 billion energy deal with Qatari, Turkish, and US firms to restore its electricity sector. – AFP

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store