Gaza: In Gaza, as airstrikes, shelling, and gunfire continued to impact Palestinians, UN human rights chief Volker Trk on Wednesday rejected suggestions by the Israeli military that the so-called Yellow Line of concrete blocks it has erected inside the enclave represented a new border. The Security Council resolution is very clear about not calling anything a border or anything else; it is about a territory that needs to be respected in its entirety, he said, referencing a resolution adopted by the Council on 17 November in support of a comprehensive plan to end the conflict.
According to United Nations, the resolution, known as Resolution 2803 (2025), received 13 votes in favor and none against, with permanent members China and Russia abstaining. The text welcomed the Comprehensive Plan announced by President Trump on 29 September, which led to a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel days later. However, the violence continues near the Yellow Line, with large concrete blocks shifting, prompting new waves of displacement. Data from the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, indicates that 360 Palestinians have been killed and 922 injured since the ceasefire agreement came into effect in late October. Additionally, 617 bodies have been retrieved from under the rubble since then.
Echoing these concerns, Mr. Trk stated that his Office had documented more than 350 attacks since the ceasefire began. The casualties included seven women and 13 children. Attacks by Israel continue, targeting individuals approaching the Yellow Line, residential buildings, IDP tents, and shelters, as well as other civilian objects. Beyond the physical toll, the High Commissioner highlighted the severe psychological trauma affecting Gaza’s population, emphasizing the mental health crisis, particularly among children.
Meanwhile, at a press conference marking Human Rights Day, Mr. Trk expressed concern over unprecedented levels of attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians and their land in the occupied West Bank, urging for intensified pressure and advocacy.
Globally, Mr. Trk also addressed the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where thousands have fled Uvira amid clashes between M23 rebel fighters and DRC armed forces. This situation arises shortly after the DRC and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to the Washington Peace Agreement.
The High Commissioner warned of potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in Sudan, where conflict persists between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Since the emergency erupted in April 2023, there have been reports of grave rights abuses, including summary executions and sexual violence.
In Ukraine, the High Commissioner noted a sharp rise in civilian harm, with casualties 24 percent higher than the previous year. He urged urgent steps to alleviate suffering, including the return of transferred children and the unconditional release of civilian detainees held by Russian authorities.
Regarding the Caribbean, Mr. Trk reiterated his concerns over US military strikes on alleged drug-smuggler boats, calling for independent investigations into these actions, which reportedly resulted in over 80 deaths since September.