UN human rights chief pushes for 'extended Gaza cease-fire'

UN human rights chief Volker Turk on Wednesday called "on all those with influence (to push) for extended Gaza cease-fire on humanitarian and human rights grounds."

"I hope this can open the way for a permanent end to the violence and support concrete efforts to achieve a lasting peace for Palestinians and Israelis," Turk said during an online session dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The current temporary ceasefire provides some relief for civilians and for some families long-awaited reunions with their loved ones. But access to humanitarian assistance must be ensured and sustained throughout Gaza and all hostages must be released," he said.

Qatar announced an agreement late Monday to extend the initial four-day pause for two more days, under which further prisoner exchanges will be carried out.

Israel launched a massive military campaign in the Gaza Strip following a cross-border attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.

It has since killed over 15,000 people, including 6,150 children and 4,000 women, according to health authorities in the enclave.

The official Israeli death toll stands at 1,200.