UN Staff Urge Human Rights Chief to Call Gaza War a Gen

Over 500 employees of the UN rights office signed a letter to their manager Volker Turk. They ask him to state unequivocally that what is occurring in Gaza amounts to genocide.

The workers described the killing and devastation in Gaza as having gone too far. They threatened that if the UN does not voice its opinion now, it will be perceived as being weak, like it was during the 1994 Rwanda genocide when more than a million were slaughtered.

Israel Denies It

Israel promptly dismissed the letter. The government indicated its actions are nothing but self–defense following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas against Israel. The attack murdered approximately 1,200 individuals and over 250 were kidnapped as hostages.

According to health officials in Gaza, nearly 63,000 individuals have been killed since the war. Aid organizations also indicate sections of Gaza lack food and most people are hungry.

UN Response

UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani stated the office has been shocked and shaken by the development. Turk responded to staff members saying he gets their outrage but begged them to remain united.

Some, such as Amnesty International, already refer to it as genocide, but the United Nations has not yet used that term. According to them, only international courts can rule it. South Africa has already brought a case to the World Court, but possibly years before judges issue a final ruling.

FAQs

1. What do UN staff want?

They want the UN chief Volker Turk to declare Gaza as genocide.

2. How many UN employees were among the signers?

More than 500 employees signed.

3. How many individuals have been killed in Gaza?

Gaza health officials report that almost 63,000 people.

4. What is Israel’s claim?

Israel claims it is merely defending itself against Hamas.

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