Geneva: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk called today for urgent diplomatic talks to halt the exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran, warning that the military escalation between the two sides threatens to have serious repercussions for peace and security in the region and the world.
According to Qatar News Agency, in a speech at the opening of the 59th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk stressed the need to reduce current tensions, emphasizing his support for all voices calling for an end to the confrontation through peaceful means and dialogue.
The UN official explained that the continued military escalation in the Middle East threatens to ignite wider conflicts, calling on all parties to fully adhere to international law, particularly with regard to the protection of civilians in populated areas, and to refrain from targeting civilian infrastructure or committing human rights violations.
"We need the strongest possible commitments to protect human dignity and prevent further tragedies," Turk said. "The escalation between Israel and Iran must stop immediately, and the international community must support the diplomatic process without delay."
These statements come in the wake of the recent military escalation, after Israel launched a series of attacks targeting military, nuclear, and civilian sites in Iran early Friday morning, killing military commanders and nuclear scientists, and injuring civilians, including women and children. This came as Tehran and Washington were preparing to resume nuclear negotiations.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting military sites inside the occupied territories, in an unprecedented escalation that raised international concerns that the region could slide into a wider confrontation that threatens regional security and stability.