The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has described the situation across the Occupied Palestinian Territory as a “human-made disaster,” citing grave violations by Israeli forces as well as serious abuses committed by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups.
Presenting a new report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) covering the 12 months through 31 October 2025, Türk said that Israel had continued attacks on residential buildings and makeshift shelters in Gaza, resulting in the destruction of entire neighbourhoods and what he called “mass civilian deaths.”
According to the report, more than 25,500 Palestinians were killed, and over 68,800 were injured during the one-year reporting period.
Civilians Killed While Seeking Aid
Türk highlighted that at least 2,435 Palestinians were reportedly killed near food distribution points operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation between late May and early October. Most of those killed were described as young men and boys attempting to secure basic supplies.
In the West Bank, Israeli security forces were also accused of carrying out airstrikes and using unlawful force, leading to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians.
Since a fragile ceasefire took effect last October, local authorities report that more than 600 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,600 injured in Gaza alone. Türk noted that in any other context, such figures would constitute a major humanitarian crisis.
‘Catastrophic’ Conditions on the Ground
Independent human rights expert Francesca Albanese described conditions in Gaza as “catastrophic,” warning that families are surviving in flooded tents while deaths from gunfire, hunger and preventable diseases continue despite the truce.
Albanese, who serves as Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, spoke in Geneva alongside other independent experts affiliated with the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Procedures.
The image of displaced Palestinian families enduring winter storms in makeshift shelters underscores the severe humanitarian conditions, as thousands remain without adequate housing, sanitation, or reliable access to aid.
Defending Independent Human Rights Experts
The Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, Richard Bennett, rejected calls for Albanese’s resignation following controversy surrounding her public comments. He criticized what he described as deliberate misrepresentation and personal attacks against independent UN mandate holders.
Albanese was sanctioned by the United States in July over allegations related to her statements on Israel. Bennett stressed that while States may disagree with Special Rapporteurs, targeting them personally or imposing sanctions undermines international human rights mechanisms.
Special Rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council. They are not UN staff members and do not receive payment for their work.
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FAQs
What did the UN report conclude?
The OHCHR report found widespread civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and potential atrocity crimes in Gaza and the West Bank. It emphasized accountability gaps and ongoing human rights violations by multiple parties.
Who is Volker Türk?
Volker Türk is the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. He leads the UN’s global human rights office and monitors violations worldwide.
What are “atrocity crimes”?
Atrocity crimes refer to genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and ethnic cleansing. These are considered the most serious crimes under international law.
What role do Special Rapporteurs play?
Special Rapporteurs, such as Francesca Albanese and Richard Bennett, are independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council to monitor and report on specific countries or thematic issues. They operate independently from governments.
What is the current humanitarian situation in Gaza?
Despite a ceasefire, many families remain displaced in makeshift shelters with limited access to food, medical care, and sanitation. Winter storms and damaged infrastructure have worsened living conditions.
Conclusion
The UN’s latest findings paint a stark picture of prolonged suffering, large-scale civilian casualties, and alleged violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. As accusations of atrocity crimes mount and accountability remains elusive, UN officials warn that without meaningful protection of civilians and adherence to human rights norms, the humanitarian crisis will deepen further.
