UN rights chief says Gazans ‘dehumanized’ by Israel, ‘caged in a toxic slum’

The United Nations Human Rights Council accuses Israel of keeping Gazans “caged in a toxic slum” during a special session on the Gaza border clashes.

“Israel, as an occupying power under international law, is obligated to protect the population of Gaza and ensure their welfare. But they are, in essence, caged in a toxic slum from birth to death; deprived of dignity; dehumanized by the Israeli authorities to such a point it appears officials do not even consider that these men and women have a right, as well as every reason, to protest,” says Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein.

He also says Gazans are “penned in behind fences” and blames Israel’s blockade of the Strip for the deteriorating living conditions in the social enclave.

Israel maintains the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas and other Palestinian terror groups from smuggling weapons into Gaza that can be used to attack on Israeli territory.