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United Nations

Escalating Attacks in Gaza: UN Rights Chief Calls on US to Withdraw Sanctions Against Palestinian Rights Groups

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Attacks in Gaza continue to intensify, with the US announcing sanctions against Palestinian rights groups, including Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, in relation to their support of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) work on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The UN rights chief, Volker Türk, has urged the US to withdraw its sanctions, warning of a "chilling effect" on civil society in the region and potentially worldwide.

Key Takeaways:

  • The US has imposed sanctions on three Palestinian rights groups, Al-Haq, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, and Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights, for their support of the ICC's work on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
  • The sanctions have been condemned by UN rights chief Volker Türk, who has urged the US to withdraw them immediately.
  • The ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in civilian casualties and attacks on facilities, with the UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stating that nearly 41,000 people have been displaced from Gaza City since August 14.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that at least 370 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023, with more than 300 deaths occurring in the past two months.
  • The WHO has also reported that over 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome have been reported in the last month, with 11 deaths, and has called for countries to allow medical evacuations of critically ill patients from Gaza.
  • The UN has expressed concern about the spread of famine in Gaza, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stating that the famine is a "catastrophe that Israel could have prevented" and calling on Israel to end its inhumane war.

Statistics:

  • Nearly 41,000 people have been displaced from Gaza City since August 14.
  • At least 370 people have died from malnutrition in Gaza since the conflict began in October 2023.
  • More than 300 people have died from malnutrition in the past two months.
  • Over 100 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome have been reported in the last month, with 11 deaths.
  • Over 7,640 patients have been medically evacuated from Gaza through WHO support.
  • More than 15,000 others need urgent specialized care, including 3,800 children.
  • Over 700 people have died while waiting for evacuations.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE - Amid escalating attacks in Gaza, UN rights chief calls on US to withdraw sanctions against Palestinian rights groups (September 8, 2025)
  • UN Press Briefing - Stephane Dujarric, UN Spokesperson (September 8, 2025)
  • WHO Press Release - WHO chief calls for end to inhumane war in Gaza (September 8, 2025)

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