58th session of the Human Rights Council: Interactive Dialogue on the report of the HC on the human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice

Mr President, High Commissioner

Thank you for your report and today’s update.

After 16 months of conflict and devastating loss of civilian life, we welcome the announcement of a ceasefire and hostage agreement in Gaza. 

We urge all parties to implement the terms of the ceasefire fully. This includes the immediate release of all Israeli hostages; as well as the rapid, and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into and throughout Gaza. 

We also urge all parties to engage in good faith negotiations to move beyond the current phase of the ceasefire, towards a just and durable peace based upon the two-state solution. We cannot return to the conflict and suffering we have seen over the past 16 months.

We are deeply concerned by the Office’s reports of ongoing, serious violations and abuses of international human rights law and international humanitarian law. We echo the High Commissioner’s call for accountability for violations and abuses of international law.

Thank you.