UN Palestine inquiry chief vows to press on with investigations despite political inaction

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory will persist in its investigations irrespective of political headwinds or a lack of immediate international action, its newly appointed chair has affirmed. In an interview, Srinivasan Muralidhar stated the commission's core mandate is to document human rights violations, creating a vital historical record. “I see the significance of this work as documentation of human rights violations, and which will be a very important resource for future generations,” he said.

No Change in Conduct Despite ICJ Orders

Muralidhar noted he has observed no substantive change in Israel's behavior despite ongoing international legal proceedings. “I don't see the behavior having changed the way we would expect it to,” he said, citing continued Palestinian fatalities, denial of humanitarian aid in Gaza, and non-implementation of the International Court of Justice's provisional measures. The commission, established in 2021, concluded in a September 2025 report that Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Its findings have informed cases at the ICJ and the International Criminal Court in The Hague.

Seeking Access and Focusing on Settler Violence

A primary operational challenge remains securing access to the territories. Muralidhar revealed that one of his first acts as chair was to formally request entry from Israel's mission in Geneva, after previous requests went unanswered. He expressed hope that shifting diplomatic dynamics might improve cooperation. The chair also highlighted that settler violence in the West Bank remains rampant and is a priority for future reporting. While past reports have referenced it indirectly, the commission plans to address the issue “more directly” in upcoming submissions to the UN Human Rights Council and General Assembly.

Emphasis on Timely Justice and Victim-Centered Work

Muralidhar underscored the urgency of accountability, warning that delayed justice loses its meaning. “Doing justice 10 years down the line, 15 years down the line, is no justice at all,” he stated. He outlined clear priorities: gaining field access, listening directly to victims, and highlighting urgent humanitarian needs. He affirmed the commission’s commitment to letting affected people know their suffering is being documented and that advocates continue to seek justice on their behalf.