UN Warns of "Catastrophic Consequences" of Ground Operation in Gaza

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned today, Saturday, of "potential catastrophic consequences" of launching extensive ground operations in the Gaza Strip, where thousands have already died due to Israeli airstrikes. Türk stated in a statement: "Given the way military operations are being conducted so far, and in the context of the ongoing occupation for 56 years, I am sounding the alarm about the potential catastrophic consequences of large-scale ground operations in Gaza, with the likelihood of thousands more civilian deaths." Türk also urged both warring parties and all other countries that have influence in the region "to do everything they can to ease this conflict."