GENEVA: Over 25 independent UN human rights experts have urged all parties to honour the Gaza ceasefire, ensure justice, and prioritise humanitarian aid while affirming Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

In a statement, the experts expressed hope that a sustainable truce could halt the ongoing suffering and loss of life in Gaza, the occupied Palestinian territories, and Israel. However, they condemned Israel’s indiscriminate bombings, which continued after the ceasefire agreement was announced, killing numerous Palestinian civilians and dashing expectations of peace.

Led by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on Palestinian human rights, the experts called for the immediate release of detainees. This includes Israeli prisoners held in Gaza and the thousands of Palestinians subjected to arbitrary detention and alleged torture in Israeli prisons. They also highlighted the plight of Gaza’s nearly two million displaced people, urging efforts to ensure their safe return and rebuild their shattered lives.

The experts painted a grim picture of Gaza’s devastation, reporting over 70% of its civilian infrastructure destroyed. They stressed the urgent need for unrestricted humanitarian aid, early recovery efforts, and compensation proportional to the destruction caused.

The group’s statement underscored the critical importance of prioritising justice and accountability while addressing humanitarian needs. They warned that without meaningful action, the cycle of violence and displacement in the region would likely persist.