The establishment of the Board of Peace aims to oversee the redevelopment of Gaza, following a plan submitted to the UN Security Council, which has since been approved. Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stressed the Commission’s focus on investigating human rights violations, a mandate set forth by the United Nations. This Commission, recognized as one of the Human Rights Council’s principal investigative bodies, was formed in May 2021 by its 47 Member States.
In November 2022, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, welcoming the creation of the Board of Peace as a transitional administration for Gaza’s reconstruction. The resolution came amid escalating violence, notably after Hamas-led attacks that resulted in over 1,200 fatalities in Israel in October 2023, triggering a renewed conflict. Former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay previously characterized these actions as genocidal, though Israel vehemently denied such claims.
Muralidhar emphasized the necessity to investigate human rights violations by all parties involved, highlighting the Commission’s goal for its findings to contribute to a justice system that supports lasting peace for the affected populations. The Commission’s agenda for the year includes examining attacks by armed Palestinian militias within the territories, while maintaining its independence from external influences.
At a recent press conference in Geneva, Muralidhar discussed the Board of Peace, expressing hope that its initiatives will reflect the interests of those living in the conflict zone. The panel of independent human rights experts, which operates without UN employment or remuneration, condemned the recent killing of three Palestinian journalists in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza, underscoring the gravity of targeting press members. Commissioner Florence Mumba remarked, “When you’re killing a journalist, it means you have something to hide.”
The Commission also commented on the recent devastation at the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in East Jerusalem, an organization that has been pivotal in supporting Palestinians for decades. Chris Sidoti stressed the importance of UNRWA’s work, warning that Israel should reconsider its rejection of the agency’s contributions, as this could impact the fulfillment of children’s right to education and overall health services.
Former Commission Chair Navi Pillay retired last October at 83, alongside commissioners Chris Sidoti and Miloon Kothari. A new panel was appointed by the Human Rights Council, reintegrating Sidoti and adding Muralidhar from India and Mumba from Zambia. Muralidhar also pointed out that funding shortages have hindered the Commission’s ability to investigate the supply of arms and settler violence, despite these areas being part of its mandate.
This underscores the ongoing challenges faced in addressing the human rights situation in the region, as inadequate resources impede the Commission’s investigative capabilities. As the situation continues to unfold, the hope remains that comprehensive investigations will pave the way for accountability and a semblance of justice for those affected by the continuing conflict.
Keywords: Board of Peace, UN Security Council, human rights violations, Gaza redevelopment, Srinivasan Muralidhar, Navi Pillay, genocide claims, UNRWA, independent human rights experts, conflict resolution.
Original Source: https://news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2026/01/1166807
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Publish Date: 2026-01-22 17:30:00
