The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investigating alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law in pursuit of justice and accountability. Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chair of the Commission, emphasized that the body operates under a mandate approved by the UN and is tasked with independently examining human rights violations committed by all parties involved in the conflict.
The Commission, one of the Human Rights Council’s highest investigative mechanisms, was established in May 2021 by the Council’s 47 Member States. Its work continues alongside political developments, including the UN Security Council’s adoption of Resolution 2803 in November last year, which welcomed the establishment of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration to oversee Gaza’s redevelopment.
The Commission’s mandate follows heightened international scrutiny after its former Chair, Navi Pillay, stated in September that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza in the context of the war that followed Hamas-led attacks in Israel in October 2023. Israel strongly rejected the allegation. Mr. Muralidhar reiterated that the Commission’s role is to investigate violations by all duty-bearers across both territories and expressed hope that its findings would contribute to future judicial processes capable of delivering lasting justice.
Looking ahead, the Commission plans to investigate attacks carried out by armed Palestinian militias within the territories, underscoring its independent and impartial approach. Addressing questions about the Board of Peace, Mr. Muralidhar said he expected any peace framework to take into account the interests of all people affected by the conflict.
At a press conference in Geneva, Commission members condemned the reported killing of three Palestinian journalists in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza, warning that attacks on journalists undermine transparency and accountability. Commissioner Florence Mumba stated that targeting journalists raises serious concerns about efforts to conceal information during conflict.
The panel also voiced alarm over the destruction of the headquarters of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in occupied East Jerusalem. Commissioners highlighted UNRWA’s longstanding role in supporting Palestinian refugees and cautioned that undermining the agency’s work could have serious human rights consequences, particularly for children’s access to education and the right to health.
Following the retirement of Navi Pillay and other commissioners in late 2025, a new panel was appointed by the Human Rights Council, including Mr. Muralidhar, Ms. Mumba, and the return of Chris Sidoti. The Commission’s chair noted that funding shortages have limited its ability to investigate certain issues, including arms supplies and settler violence, despite these areas falling within its mandate.
