Hundreds of staff members at the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) have formally called on rights chief Volker Türk to label the situation in Gaza an "unfolding genocide." In a letter signed by over 500 employees, staff cited the scale, scope, and nature of violations documented during the nearly two-year conflict, arguing that the legal criteria for genocide have been met. The letter emphasized the OHCHR’s "moral responsibility" to denounce these acts, warning that silence risks undermining the credibility of the UN human rights system.
The appeal reflects growing internal pressure within the UN, with staff invoking the organization’s failure during the 1994 Rwanda genocide as a cautionary parallel. Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the letter as "false and baseless," reiterating its stance that military operations are acts of self-defense following Hamas’ October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and seized 251 hostages. Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 63,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, with famine conditions intensifying in parts of the territory.
Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens Amid Military Operations
Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continued across Gaza on Thursday, resulting in at least 16 Palestinian deaths and dozens injured, according to local health officials. Residents reported intensified bombardment in Gaza City’s suburbs, including Shejaia, Zeitoun, and Sabra, forcing families to flee toward coastal areas. The Israeli military described Gaza City as Hamas’s last stronghold and confirmed targeting "terrorist infrastructure," though casualties included civilians seeking aid.
Malnutrition and Famine Claims Disputed
The humanitarian crisis has escalated sharply, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting four additional deaths from malnutrition on Thursday including two children bringing the total such deaths to. Israel has challenged these figures, demanding that the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) retract its report declaring famine conditions in Gaza. The IPC estimates 514,000 people currently face famine, a number projected to rise to 641,000 by September. UN agencies and aid groups attribute the crisis to Israel’s restrictions on aid access, while Israel blames Hamas and logistical failures.
International Responses and Legal Challenges
The UN staff letter adds to mounting international scrutiny. South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice remains pending, while rights groups like Amnesty International and independent UN experts have already used the term "genocide." OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani acknowledged the staff’s concerns, stating the situation has "shaken us all to our core." Volker Türk, while condemning Israel’s actions, emphasized the need for unity within the office but stopped short of formally declaring genocide.