New York, April 29 (Petra) – United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Tuesday called for urgent international action to prevent a catastrophe in Gaza, warning that conditions in the enclave have reached unprecedented critical levels.

In a statement, Türk cautioned that Israel’s announced plan to designate Rafah in southern Gaza as a "humanitarian zone" would effectively force displaced Palestinians to move in order to receive aid. He warned this could deprive vulnerable groups including the sick, injured, and persons with disabilities of access to food, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to target areas where civilians have sought refuge, striking residential zones, healthcare facilities, and critical humanitarian infrastructure, such as water trucks and excavation equipment.

Türk stressed that such actions are obstructing relief efforts, worsening public health conditions, and delaying rescue operations, thereby increasing the risk to civilian lives.

He warned that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza could escalate far beyond what has already been witnessed.

//Petra// AF

29/04/2025 22:09:12