NHRC Chairperson Warns of Severe Deterioration in Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza, West Bank Due to Comprehensive Siege

English , Qatar - قطر , Snippets , / Sunday, December 21st, 2025

Download this post as PDF

Jeddah, December 20 (QNA) – HE Chairperson of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) and member of the Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, affirmed that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is undergoing an unprecedented deterioration as a result of the comprehensive siege, severe shortages of food and medicine, and the collapse of essential service systems.
She stated that the conditions facing civilians amount to grave violations of international humanitarian law, particularly collective punishment and the repeated targeting of civilians and critical civilian infrastructure. Her remarks came during her participation in three specialized meetings held as part of the 26th regular session of the IPHRC, convened in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Al Attiyah explained that these meetings provided an important platform for unifying perspectives within the OIC and strengthening collective approaches grounded in international humanitarian law and human rights principles. She emphasized that such coordination contributes to the protection of civilians, support for the most vulnerable groups, and the reinforcement of international accountability mechanisms.
She stressed that the continued targeting of health facilities, educational institutions, and water and electricity sources in Gaza and the West Bank undermines the most basic requirements of a dignified life. In this context, she called for urgent international action to ensure immediate civilian protection and halt systematic violations. She also highlighted the necessity of integrating mental health and psychosocial support into humanitarian responses due to the profound psychological impact of the crisis, particularly on children and women.
Her Excellency stated that any peace plan related to Gaza must be based on clear principles respecting international law and guaranteeing fundamental rights. She affirmed that safe, unconditional, and sustained humanitarian access is a prerequisite for the success of any political or humanitarian process. She further stressed that reconstruction efforts cannot proceed independently of justice and guarantees of non-recurrence, emphasizing the importance of engaging Palestinians as rightful stakeholders in determining their future.
On accountability, Al Attiyah affirmed that supporting international investigations and cooperating with the International Criminal Court and relevant United Nations mechanisms are essential to addressing impunity. She underscored the importance of documenting violations in accordance with international standards, strengthening civil society organizations, and enhancing collective action within the OIC.
She also highlighted the need to open safe humanitarian corridors, restore essential services, and provide special protection for vulnerable groups, including women, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
Regarding Syria, Al Attiyah emphasized the need for strengthened IPHRC monitoring, neutral reporting, protection of children, access to education in emergencies, support for health systems, and effective humanitarian coordination.
She concluded by stressing the importance of cooperation among OIC institutions, United Nations agencies, and national human rights bodies to advance social policies that place the family at the core of the human rights system.