UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Saturday expressed regret over sharp increase in hatred around the worldwith demonstrations that include anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, as well as restrictions on the right to peaceful protest following the war between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas.

He argued that one of the consequences of this crisis is “Dehumanization of both Palestinians and Jews”and a sharp rise in incitement to hatred, violence and discrimination, a phenomenon that is not limited to the Middle East but has spread to other parts of the world through the use of social media.

“From America and Asia to Europe and Africa, Islamophobic and anti-Semitic persecution has increased.. Homes and religious buildings have been defaced with threatening symbols and other images and messages designed to incite fear and hatred,” he commented.

Turk complained that even political leaders used “inflammatory, toxic and hateful rhetoric.”

He recalled that international human rights law is clear on this point: “Any propaganda of national, racial or religious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence is prohibited.»

Turk criticized how some countries have restricted the right to peaceful protest, citing national security risks such as inciting hatred and glorifying terrorism.