GENEVA, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on Monday condemned senior Israeli officials for openly making genocidal rhetoric against Palestinians.

"I am horrified by the open use of genocidal rhetoric, and the disgraceful dehumanization of Palestinians by senior Israeli officials," Turk said as he addressed the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

He denounced Israel for the mass killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the obstruction of vital humanitarian aid that has led to famine, and the ongoing commission of war crimes that have caused "indescribable suffering and wholesale destruction."

Turk urged relevant countries to "stop the flow to Israel of arms that risk violating the laws of war," press for a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure the sufficient entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

He also called for action to oppose Israel's planned military takeover of Gaza and acceleration of annexation of the occupied West Bank, while voicing support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

Israel's ongoing offensive in Gaza, launched after a deadly Hamas-led attack in October 2023, has devastated the enclave of 2.2 million people, causing famine and killing at least 64,522 people, according to Gaza-based health authorities. ■