Gaza tops Human Rights Council discussions... demands to stop companies operating in settlements

The humanitarian and human rights situation in the Gaza Strip dominated discussions at the Human Rights Council during a review of the High Commissioner's report on updating the database of companies operating in settlements. Most member and observer states, as well as geographic and political groups, pointed to the tragic reality in Gaza, the ongoing siege, targeting, and killing, calling for a ceasefire, ensuring aid entry, and stopping violations. Interventions also addressed conditions in the West Bank, demanding an end to settler attacks, settlement expansion, and the withholding of Palestinian funds. The Council discussed the issue of companies operating in settlements amid calls to halt their activities as a violation of human rights. States stressed the need to respect human rights and stop violations by the occupying power, emphasizing that accountability is the path to justice. Most states and groups expressed support for the Palestinian people's rights and self-determination, while NGOs spoke of daily violations and called for accountability and implementation of UN resolutions.

The humanitarian and human rights situation in the Gaza Strip dominated discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council during a session dedicated to reviewing the High Commissioner's report on updating the database of companies operating in Israeli settlements, alongside the human rights situation under agenda item seven. Most member and observer states, as well as geographic and political groups, pointed in their interventions to the tragic reality in the Gaza Strip, the ongoing siege, targeting, and killing, calling for a ceasefire, ensuring the entry of humanitarian aid, and stopping violations against Palestinians. Interventions also addressed the situation in the West Bank, where states demanded an end to settler attacks on Palestinian citizens, a halt to settlement expansion, and the withholding of Palestinian funds. In the same context, the Council discussed the issue of companies operating in settlements, amid calls to halt their activities, as their continued operation is considered a violation of human rights. Participating states stressed the need to respect human rights and stop violations committed by the occupying power, emphasizing that accountability and responsibility are the path to achieving justice. Most participating states and groups expressed support for the rights of the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, while a group of non-governmental organizations spoke of daily violations and called for activating the principle of accountability and implementing UN resolutions. Source / Agencies.