United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk has warned there is a heightened risk of atrocity crimes in Gaza, urging parties involved to refrain from committing such violations, Reuters reports.

“My humanitarian colleagues have described the situation as apocalyptic. In these circumstances, there is a heightened risk of atrocity crimes,” Turk told reporters in Geneva.

“Measures need to be taken urgently, both by the parties concerned and by all states, particularly those with influence, to prevent any such crimes.”