UN rights chief Volker Türk condemns Gaza killings, urges Israel arms halt

September 7, 2026 at 02:47 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that Israel has killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire was declared nearly a year ago. He called on states to stop transferring weapons to Israel and on companies to end business practices supporting illegal settlements. Türk also urged an immediate return to US-Iran negotiations.

Key Facts

Volker Türk said Israel has killed more than 1,300 Palestinians in Gaza since the ceasefire was declared nearly a year ago.
Türk called on states to stop transferring weapons to Israel that risk being used to violate international law.
Türk said more than 60 wars are currently underway, the highest number since World War II.
Türk expressed alarm at reports that fully autonomous drones launched by Russia killed three Ukrainians last month.

Gaza Ceasefire Violations

Türk told the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council that Israel continues daily attacks in Gaza despite the ceasefire declared nearly a year ago. He said Israel has killed more than 1,300 Palestinians and continues to restrict the entry of humanitarian aid. Türk said he was horrified by Israeli proposals to forcibly remove all Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and by the dehumanizing rhetoric of some senior Israeli officials. He noted that Israel continues to annex the West Bank despite a clear ruling by the International Court of Justice.

Weapons Transfers and Settlements

Türk called on countries to prevent the occupation from becoming permanent in the territory reserved for Palestinians under the two-state solution. He said states must stop transferring weapons to Israel that risk being used to violate international law. Türk also said companies should end business practices that support illegal settlements.

Global Conflict and Autonomous Weapons

Türk said more than 60 wars are currently underway, the highest number since World War II, and that the rise in inter-state conflicts is especially dangerous. He expressed concern over renewed attacks between the United States and Iran affecting the entire Gulf region, including reports of civilian deaths from an attack on a wedding in Hormozgan province. Türk called for an immediate return to negotiations between the US and Iran. He said the Russia-Ukraine war has entered its fifth year, with rising civilian casualties and intensified attacks on energy infrastructure. Türk said he was horrified by reports that fully autonomous drones launched by Russia killed three Ukrainians last month, and that Ukraine is also reported to be testing such weapons on the battlefield.