The UN human rights office stated on Friday that Israel should “stop” its attacks in Gaza and emphasized the need for a cease-fire, particularly if there is an expansion of operations into southern Gaza.
Jeremy Laurence, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the priority of international humanitarian law in protecting civilians, their property, and livelihoods.
He urged for an immediate halt to the violence, emphasizing the call for a cease-fire as the only solution to the escalating death toll, which he referred to as “madness.”
Laurence expressed concern that an expansion of military operations in southern Gaza, already densely populated due to recent evacuations, would further endanger civilians.
The current conflict, which began on Oct. 7, has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties and extensive damage to buildings, while Israel has reported a lower death toll.
