GENEVA – The United Nations’ human rights chief called on Israel to immediately stop its ground assault on Gaza City that

, saying evidence is mounting of war crimes, crimes against humanity and possibly more.

“I can only think of what it means for women, for malnourished children, for people with disabilities, if they are again attacked in this way. And I have to say the only response to this is: Stop the carnage,” UN High Commissioner Volker Turk told reporters in Geneva.

“Palestinians, Israelis scream for peace. Everyone wants an end to this, and what we see is a further escalation which is totally and utterly unacceptable,” he added.

“I call on Israel to stop its wanton destruction of Gaza.”

A UN Commission of Inquiry concluded on Sept 16

, and that top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, incited these acts, accusations that Israel called scandalous.

Mr Turk has not used the term but is under pressure to do so.

Asked if he would consider using the word “genocide” to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza, Mr Turk said: “We see the piling up of war crime after war crime or crime against humanity, and potentially even more. I mean, it’s for the court to decide whether it’s genocide or not, and we see the evidence mounting.” REUTERS