UN Experts Urge Israel to Halt Gaza Takeover, Call for Immediate End to War

The UN experts cautioned that any attempt to fully militarise control over Gaza would not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also risk committing atrocity crimes under international law.

United Nations human rights experts have called for an immediate halt to the Israeli Government’s reported plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip, warning that such a move would violate international law, deepen the humanitarian crisis, and undermine prospects for peace.

The experts stressed that the plan directly contradicts the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, which requires Israel to bring its occupation of Palestinian territory to an end “as soon as possible,” in line with the agreed two-State solution and the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

“On all evidence to date, this further escalation will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction and atrocity crimes,” the experts said.

Call for an Immediate End to the War

The statement reiterates the UN’s long-standing demand for the war in Gaza to end without delay. Experts emphasised that both Israelis and Palestinians must be able to live side-by-side in peace, free from violence and oppression.

They urged the Israeli Government to shift its focus from military escalation to protecting civilian lives, noting that the priority must be allowing the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The humanitarian situation in the enclave has deteriorated sharply due to ongoing hostilities, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter.

Release of Hostages and Detainees

The experts demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel. Such measures, they said, are essential confidence-building steps that could help create conditions for meaningful ceasefire negotiations.

International Law and Atrocity Prevention

The UN experts cautioned that any attempt to fully militarise control over Gaza would not only deepen the humanitarian crisis but also risk committing atrocity crimes under international law. They called on the international community, particularly states with influence over the parties, to intervene diplomatically to prevent further escalation.

“Instead of intensifying this war, the Israeli Government should put all its efforts into saving the lives of Gaza’s civilians,” they said, adding that the survival and dignity of the population must take precedence over territorial or military objectives.

Broader Implications for Peace

The statement underscored that a lasting resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict can only be achieved through a comprehensive political settlement based on the two-State framework, guaranteeing security, sovereignty, and human rights for both peoples. Any unilateral military measures, they warned, will only push that prospect further out of reach.