Israel – Iran: Human Rights Commissioner calls for self -control and full respect for international law

Volcker Turk said in a statement issued today, Thursday, that the only way out of this escalating and irrational escalation is the utmost restraint, full respect for international law and a goodwill to return to the negotiating table.

He pointed out that intense air strikes, missile strikes and drones attacks caused severe damage that exceed the military targets. “As civilians were killed and wounded, and caused severe damage to large -scale civilian targets, such as medical infrastructure, residential buildings, water pipelines, oil and gas installations.”

He explained that the latest Iranian official figures indicate the killing of 224 people, while human rights organizations talk about the fall of more than twice this number, in addition to a greater number of wounded.

As for the official numbers in Israel, they indicate the killing of at least 24 people and the injury of more than 840 others. A large and increasing number of civilians, especially from Tehran, is displaced, after the evacuation warnings that included large areas of the Iranian capital.

The High Commissioner reminded the basic principles of international humanitarian law – binding on both parties – which demand full respect in the administration of hostilities for the principles of discrimination, proportion and precautions, and prohibits random and deliberate attacks on civilians or civilian notables.

He added: “It is horrific to see how civilians are dealt with as side effects in the progress of hostilities. Threats and inflammatory discourse by senior officials on both sides indicate a disturbing intention to harm civilians.”