Israel is the fundamental cause of the catastrophe seen in Gaza, Türkiye’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva has said, Anadolu Agency reports.

“The fundamental cause of the catastrophe we face in Gaza today is the Israeli occupation. As long as this occupation persists, resistance against the occupation by Palestinians will also continue,” said Burak Akcapar.

Akcapar’s remarks come after the UN presented a report during an interactive dialogue session held within the framework of the 56th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. He said the report exposes some of the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israeli forces against civilians in Gaza.

Akcapar pointed out that Israel’s continuous refusal to cooperate with the Commission has overshadowed the report, and findings based on Israeli sources regarding attacks on Israel did not pass the objectivity test.

He further said they support the report’s call for an immediate and sustainable cease-fire, the lifting of the Gaza blockade and the uninterrupted, adequate and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the mutual release of detainees and prisoners and an end to the targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.