Doha: Israeli plans to expand their offensive in Gaza have raised significant concerns about the living conditions for Palestinians in the region, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk. Turk highlighted that Israel's reported intentions to forcibly relocate Gaza's population to a smaller area in the south and threats to deport Palestinians outside of Gaza exacerbate worries about the sustainability of Palestinian life in the strip.

According to Qatar News Agency, Turk emphasized that the continuation of military strategies that have failed to achieve a stable resolution, including the release of hostages over the past year and eight months, is unlikely to succeed now. He warned that expanding the offensive will likely lead to increased mass displacement, civilian casualties, and further destruction of Gaza's minimal remaining infrastructure.

Turk further stressed that this escalation would intensify the already dire humanitarian situation caused by a complete blockade on essential goods entering Gaza for nearly nine weeks. The blockade has deprived residents of vital necessities, particularly food, amid ongoing Israeli assaults on community resources and attempts to maintain order.

He also noted that using starvation as a method of warfare is considered a war crime, underscoring that a lasting solution to the crisis depends on adherence to international law, as outlined by the International Court of Justice in its 2024 Advisory Opinion and provisional orders.