GENEVA, February 26, 2026 (WAFA) – The UN cautioned on Thursday that the Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian Territory aim to force demographic change.
“Israel’s actions appear aimed at making a permanent demographic change in Gaza and the West Bank, raising concerns about ethnic cleansing,” United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk said as he addressed the 61st session of the Human Rights Council.
Pointing in particular to the year-long Israeli aggression in the northern West Bank, Türk said that it has forced 32,000 Palestinians from their homes.
“The evidence gathered by my Office reveals a consistent pattern of gross violations and abuses of human rights, serious violations of international humanitarian law and atrocity crimes – that remain unpunished,” he added.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Türk noted that the occupation forces “continued to launch airstrikes and use unlawful force, killing hundreds of Palestinians.”
Regarding Gaza, Türk pointed out that it “now has the highest number of amputee children per capita in the world.”
He stressed that “Israel continues to destroy civilian infrastructure and forcibly transfer Palestinians within the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
“The humanitarian situation is still extremely precarious, as Israel continues to impede the humanitarian community’s ability to bring in food, shelter, fuel, medical supplies, and other essential items.”
Highlighting the lack of accountability for violations and crimes committed by Israel, Türk said: “The absence of accountability for the egregious violations committed is nothing short of shameful.”
“Instead, there are efforts to obstruct accountability. The unilateral sanctions imposed on 11 judges and prosecutors of the International Criminal Court are completely unacceptable. As are those imposed on the Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, appointed by this Council,” he added.
He urged Israel to “end its unlawful occupation, in line with the conclusion of the International Court of Justice” and “lift undue restrictions on the flow of humanitarian aid.”
K.F.
