As the world observed International Human Rights Day on Sunday, UN Humanitarian Coordinator Lynn Hastings denounced the Israeli offensive and siege against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Hastings wrote in a statement: The air strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure cannot be justified, nor can the siege and depriving the entire Gaza population of food, water, health care, and hygiene.
She reiterated calls for a ceasefire from others and insisted that Israel must permit the delivery of humanitarian aid inside Gaza.
She additionally addressed the “unprecedented levels” of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank by the Israeli state and settlements.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which first stated that fundamental human rights should be universally protected, was proclaimed on Sunday, marking 75 years since its inception.
Hastings concluded: I shouldn’t have to make a statement like this in 2023; It seems like we haven’t learned anything in the last 75 years.
