UN Warns of Potential Ethnic Cleansing in Gaza and West Bank

DID Press: Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, issued a stark warning on Monday at the opening of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and raising concerns about potential ethnic cleansing in both Gaza and the West Bank.

Türk emphasized that civilian casualties continue to mount in Gaza due to the fragile ceasefire, severe shortages of humanitarian aid, cold weather, hunger, and inadequate medical services. He noted that even following the October 2025 ceasefire, living conditions have not significantly improved, leaving millions exposed to suffering and death.

The commissioner also cautioned against efforts to expedite the illegal annexation of parts of the West Bank and Gaza, warning that structural demographic changes could escalate concerns of ethnic cleansing. Previous international reports have documented systemic violence, widespread destruction of infrastructure, forced displacement, and potential human rights violations against Palestinians.

Türk stressed that sustainable solutions must be based on a two-state framework, equality of rights, and adherence to international law. Failure to pursue these principles, he warned, will further exacerbate the humanitarian and human rights crisis in the region.