The United Nations Human Rights Council President, Ambassador Jürg Lauber, has appointed former Chief Justice of the Odisha High Court, S. Muralidhar, as chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. Announced on November 26-27, 2025, this places an eminent Indian jurist at the forefront of one of the UN's most closely watched investigations into the protracted Israel-Palestine conflict. Justice Muralidhar succeeds Brazilian expert Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro, leading a three-member panel alongside Zambian Justice Florence Mumba and Australian Chris Sidoti.​

Established in 2021 via UNHRC Resolution S-30/1, the commission conducts an ongoing inquiry into alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights abuses since April 13, 2021, across both Israel and the occupied territories. Its mandate covers root causes of tensions, including systemic discrimination based on identity, ethnicity, race, or religion, while identifying perpetrators, recommending accountability, and submitting annual reports to the Human Rights Council and UN General Assembly. In 2024, the scope expanded to scrutinize Israeli settlers and arms transfers used in Gaza post-October 7, 2023.​

A September 2025 report by the commission drew global headlines by concluding that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, amplifying its role amid escalating scrutiny. The panel now advances under Muralidhar's leadership, with the next report due in 2026, focusing on justice for victims and preventive measures against further violations. This appointment underscores the UN's emphasis on impartial, expert-led probes into complex geopolitical conflicts.​

Also Read: UN Warns Generative AI Could Turn Into “Modern-Day Frankenstein,” Threatening Global Human Rights

Justice Muralidhar brings extensive credentials, including 14 years as a Delhi High Court judge (2006-2020), Chief Justice of Odisha High Court (2021-2023), and current practice as a Senior Advocate in India's Supreme Court. He previously served as counsel to the National Human Rights Commission and drove reforms like court digitization and judicial archives during his tenure. His human rights advocacy positions him ideally to navigate the commission's demanding investigations.​

Commission members include Justice Florence Mumba, former vice-president of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, who helped define rape as a war crime, and Chris Sidoti, ex-Australian Human Rights Commissioner and UN adviser. Together, they will probe ongoing issues, ensuring comprehensive accountability in a highly polarized international arena.​

Also Read: India Questions Pakistan’s Role in UN Taliban Sanctions Panel