On Thursday, the UN human rights chief condemned the “grim milestone” of 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Israel’s 10-month assault on Gaza, accusing the Israeli military of violating the “rules of war.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk attributed the high death toll to the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the conflict’s death toll has reached at least 40,005, with an additional 92,401 wounded. Turk expressed deep concern over the high number of casualties, particularly among women and children, and criticized the Israeli military’s extensive damage to homes, hospitals, schools, and places of worship.
Turk’s office has documented “serious violations” of international humanitarian law by both the Israeli military and Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas. He reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and the release of detainees on both sides. Ceasefire talks have resumed in Qatar.
The ongoing conflict, which began over 10 months ago, has had a devastating impact. In addition to the casualties in Gaza, Israeli actions in the West Bank have resulted in at least 632 additional Palestinian deaths. Cross-border violence has also resulted in 570 deaths in Lebanon, including over 370 Hezbollah fighters. The conflict has displaced thousands in Lebanon and northern Israel and caused casualties in Syria as well.
