Jerusalem: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned that Israel's actions in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, including military operations causing displacement, aimed at creating a permanent demographic change, raising concerns over potential ethnic cleansing.

According to Qatar News Agency, Turk spoke before the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting ongoing military operations in the northern West Bank that have displaced 32,000 Palestinians. He criticized Israel for obstructing humanitarian access to essential supplies such as food, shelter, fuel, and medical supplies.

Turk condemned Israel's late-2025 decision to suspend 37 aid organizations in Gaza, block UNRWA operations, and demolish offices in East Jerusalem, describing these actions as clear violations of international law. He also warned that land seizures and settlement expansion in the West Bank threaten Palestinians' right to self-determination.

He urged Israel to end its illegal occupation in line with the International Court of Justice and emphasized that continued impunity for serious violations is extremely troubling.