United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has warned that the “humanitarian and human rights consequences” of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza Strip will be “devastating and long-lasting”.

In a statement, he said, “Given the manner in which military operations have been conducted until now, in the context of the 56-year-old occupation, I am raising alarm about the possibly catastrophic consequences of large-scale ground operations in Gaza and the potential for thousands more civilians to die.”

“There is no safe place in Gaza and there is no way out. I am very worried for my colleagues, as I am for all civilians in Gaza,” Turk emphasised.

Noting that “continued violence is not the answer”, he called on all parties to do “all in their power to de-escalate this conflict”.