The United Nations human rights chief has strongly criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as causing “horrifying, unconscionable suffering” for Palestinians. He called on world leaders to intensify pressure on both Israel and Hamas to end the conflict.
Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, made the remarks during the opening of the latest session of the U.N. Human Rights Council on Monday. In a wide-ranging speech, he also addressed the growing tensions between Iran and Israel, the consequences of recent U.S. tariffs, human rights issues in China, and ongoing conflicts in Sudan and Ukraine.
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Türk, who has consistently condemned the violence in Gaza and called for the release of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian militants, used particularly strong language to describe the situation. Speaking to the 47-member council—which Israel has frequently accused of bias—he stated, “Israel’s means and methods of warfare are inflicting horrifying, unconscionable suffering on Palestinians in Gaza.”
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has not participated in the council’s activities under the Trump administration, which criticized the body’s stance toward Israel.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has killed over 55,300 Palestinians, with women and children making up the majority of the casualties. However, the ministry does not separate civilian from militant deaths. Türk emphasized the gravity of the situation, saying, “The facts speak for themselves. Everyone in government needs to wake up to what is happening in Gaza.” He added that those with influence must “exert maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas, to put an end to this unbearable suffering.”
Türk also highlighted rising civilian deaths in Ukraine, more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion. He condemned summary executions and widespread sexual violence in Sudan, including abuses against children.
Turning to the United States, Türk criticized the tariffs imposed in April—without naming former President Donald Trump directly—likening them to “a high-stakes poker game, with the global economy as the bank.” He warned that a trade war could strike Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like “a tsunami,” potentially leading to severe consequences for exporters in Asia and increased costs for basic needs such as food, healthcare, and education.
He also raised concerns about U.S. deportations of non-citizens, including removals to third countries, and urged respect for the right to peaceful protest.
Due to U.N. funding shortfalls, the council session has been shortened by two and a half days and will now run through July 9. Based in Geneva, the council is the U.N.’s top human rights body.