Abu Dhabi: UN Human Rights Chief Volker Trk stated on Wednesday that the ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has reached a critical "inflection point". Addressing the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Trk highlighted the fragile nature of the current ceasefire, which is offering temporary relief to the people of Gaza, allowing for the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, and the delivery of essential humanitarian aid.

According to Emirates News Agency, Trk emphasized the necessity for the international community to find a resolution to the long-standing conflict and break the cycle of violence. He pointed out that any future plans must address historical grievances, insisting that accountability and justice for past violations are essential for a sustainable peace.

Trk detailed the hardships faced by the people of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, who have lived under Israeli occupation for decades, stripped of their basic rights. He reported over 48,000 deaths in Gaza, predominantly women and children, alongside the loss of more than 1,054 medical workers, and significant destruction of infrastructure.

He expressed concern over the "unprecedented disregard for the principles of international humanitarian law" and the potential commission of war crimes. Trk called for an independent investigation into all violations and reiterated the necessity for an end to Israel's "unlawful presence" in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, referencing a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

The High Commissioner concluded by urging that each phase of the ceasefire be executed "in good faith and in full," stressing the collective responsibility to build upon the current peace efforts.