The United Nations human rights chief said on Tuesday that the total siege of the Gaza Strip by Israel is prohibited under international law.
In a statement, Volker Turk said, “The imposition of sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law.”
Turk also said, quoting information collected by his office, that Israeli air operations have hit residential buildings, including big tower blocks, as well as schools and UN structures across Gaza, resulting in civilian deaths.
He added, “International humanitarian law is clear: the obligation to take constant care to spare the civilian population and civilian objects remains applicable throughout the attacks.”
Multiple members of the UN Security Council condemned Hamas on Sunday over its surprise attack on Israel but the United States regretted the lack of consensus.
The United States and Israel urged strong denunciation of the Palestinian militia group at an emergency session, who rule the blocked Gaza Strip and launched a surprise attack on Saturday in a battle that has claimed more than 1,000 lives.
