Netanyahu Orders Gaza Evacuation Amid UN Condemnation of "Mass Killing

Netanyahu Threatens Gaza Residents as UN Slams Israel Over 'Mass Killing' GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday threatened Palestinians in Gaza City to leave immediately, as the United Nations human rights chief condemned Israel for what he described as the mass killing of civilians and deliberate obstruction of lifesaving aid. Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, accused Israel of committing war crime upon war crime and said the scale of devastation in Gaza was shocking the conscience of the world. "The situation on the ground is catastrophic," Turk said in a statement. "Israel has a case to answer before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), given its obligations under international law, including the duty to prevent acts of genocide." Turk's appeal to end the carnage in Gaza came as Israeli forces continued their destruction of Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the enclave, ahead of a planned military operation. The city has been under siege for weeks, with residents facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UN human rights chief pointed to the ICJ's ruling in January that obliged Tel Aviv to prevent acts of genocide. "Israel's actions are not only causing immense suffering to civilians but also undermining the very fabric of international law," Turk said. Netanyahu's threat to Palestinians in Gaza City came as Israeli warplanes destroyed a residential tower in the city on Sunday, killing at least 20 people and injuring dozens more. The attack was widely condemned by human rights groups and international leaders. The crisis in Gaza has sparked widespread outrage globally, with many countries calling for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to be allowed into the enclave. The European Union, the United States, and other Western powers have urged Israel to respect international law and protect civilians. Background Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, with residents facing severe restrictions on movement, trade, and access to basic services. The latest escalation began in August, when Hamas militants fired rockets into Israel, leading to a military response that has left hundreds dead and thousands injured. Perspectives The crisis in Gaza has sparked heated debate among international leaders, with some calling for greater pressure on Israel to end the violence. "The world is watching in horror as Israel continues its brutal assault on Gaza," said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. "We demand an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid to be allowed into the enclave." Others have criticized Hamas for firing rockets into Israel, which they say has led to the current crisis. "Hamas's actions are not only causing suffering to civilians but also undermining the very fabric of international law," said Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. Current Status The situation in Gaza remains dire, with residents facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The UN has warned that the enclave is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe, with many families forced to flee their homes or live in shelters without access to basic services. As the crisis continues, international leaders are urging Israel to respect international law and protect civilians. The ICJ has scheduled an emergency meeting for next week to discuss the situation in Gaza and potential war crimes committed by Israel. Next Developments The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the crisis in Gaza and possible measures to end the violence. International leaders are expected to call for an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a lifting of the Israeli blockade on Gaza. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*