UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL

55^th session

Interactive Dialogue on High Commissioner’s report on Occupied Palestinian Territory

29 February 2024

EU Statement

Thank you Mr. President.

Mister High Commissioner,

We thank you and your Office for your invaluable and tireless work and strong voice in defence of human rights. We reiterate our support to your mandate and its independence.

The EU deplores all loss of civilian lives in Israel and occupied Palestinian territory and expresses its deepest condolences for all UN staff members killed in Gaza since October 7. We note the High Commissioner call on all parties to the conflict to implement a ceasefire on human rights and humanitarian grounds.

We reiterate our gravest concern for the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza and call for  continued, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access. Aid needs to reach those in need through all necessary means.

The EU condemns in the strongest possible terms the brutal and indiscriminate terrorist attacks by Hamas across Israel on October 7th, which included sexual and gender-based violence. The EU recalls that Israel has the right to defend itself in line with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.

We call for respect of human rights and international humanitarian law, underline the obligation to ensure the protection of all civilians at all times, and note that there must be accountability for violations of international law. We share the High Commissioner’s concerns notably regarding reported human rights violations against women and girls. The EU takes note of the binding provisional measures order rendered by the International Court of Justice on 26 January 2024 and urges all sides to respect international law.

We reiterate our call on Hamas to immediately release all hostages, without any precondition. The ICRC must be granted access to the hostages. We welcome the cooperation of regional actors on this matter. The use of civilians as human shields by Hamas is a particularly deplorable atrocity.

We are very concerned about the humanitarian consequences of a possible ground operation in Rafah, where well over a million Palestinians are currently sheltering from the fighting.  

We call for facilitation of UN agencies work, and protection of UN and humanitarian staff as well as  all civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities, schools and UN premises, and other infrastructure meant to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Journalists must not be attacked. The EU calls for collaboration with all UN mechanisms.

The EU is equally concerned for the situation in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The EU firmly condemns settler violence and calls for accountability. Settlements are illegal under international law. Detainees, especially children, need to treated with respect and in line with international law. ICRC needs to have access to detention centers.

We stand ready to contribute to reviving a credible and irreversible political process  towards a negotiated two-state solution.