At a press conference held during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, UN Special Rapporteurs condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, describing it as a "genocide" that has persisted since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.

UN Special Rapporteur on the right to health, Tlaleng Mofokeng, stated, "We have witnessed the horror of genocide in Gaza since the Israeli aggression began." She highlighted the destruction of Gaza's healthcare system, with only 17 of the region's 36 hospitals partially functioning. Mofokeng further emphasized that attacks on hospitals and health workers have reached unprecedented levels, accusing Israel of violating international law by targeting civilians, children, and medical personnel.

George Katrougalos, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion of democratic and equitable international order, called the situation a "public catastrophe for everyone," noting that the ongoing violence threatens the future of multilateralism and international standards. Katrougalos called for the immediate recognition of the State of Palestine and urged countries to pressure Israel to cease its military operations.

Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, expressed alarm at the escalating violence, which has now spread to the West Bank. She stated that the Israeli attacks over the past year have severely damaged the infrastructure across Palestinian territories.

Pedro Arrojo-Agudos, UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, revealed that individuals in Gaza are receiving just 4.7 liters of water per day, far below the World Health Organization's minimum emergency requirement of 15 liters per person.

The panel of UN experts urged immediate global action to halt the violence and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. (ILKHA)