More than 30 independent experts working with the United Nations called on countries around the world to act ‘now’ to prevent the ‘annihilation’ of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.The experts, who are mandated by the UN Human Rights Council but do not speak on behalf of the organization, stressed the need for states to act to end the ongoing genocide, dismantle the apartheid system, and ensure a future in which Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in freedom and dignity.’The decision is stark: remain passive and witness the slaughter of innocents or take part in crafting a just resolution. The global conscience has awakened, if asserted – despite the moral abyss we are descending into – justice will ultimately prevail,’ the experts said.The experts, including Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese, wondered: ‘The world is watching. Will Member States live up to their obligations and intervene to stop the slaughter, hunger, and disease, and other war crimes and crimes against humanity that are perpetrated daily in complete impunity”While States debate terminology – is it or is it not genocide – Israel continues its relentless destruction of life in Gaza, through attacks by land, air and sea, displacing and massacring the surviving population with impunity,’ the experts added.Earlier today, the Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the death toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 52,653 martyrs, in addition to 118,897 injured.
