Geneva: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk has called on Israel to immediately stop its plan for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, stating that such an action would violate international law and increase mass suffering.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trk emphasized that the plan is contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which mandates that Israel should end its occupation as soon as possible. He highlighted that the plan jeopardizes the two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.

Trk warned that further escalation in Gaza would lead to more forced displacement, increased killings, greater suffering, destruction, and atrocity crimes. He insisted that the conflict in Gaza must end immediately, allowing Israelis and Palestinians to coexist peacefully.

Trk urged the Israeli government to prioritize saving civilian lives in Gaza by allowing the unrestricted flow of humanitarian aid into the region. He also called for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Palestinian armed groups and the release of Palestinians detained arbitrarily by Israel.

He concluded by urging the Israeli government to focus efforts on protecting civilians in Gaza, warning that continued escalation would only add to the suffering and devastation.