Former Indian Judge S. Muralidhar Appointed Chair of UN Inquiry on Palestine–Israel

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel (hereafter “the Commission”) has appointed former Indian jurist S. Muralidhar as its new Chair. Muralidhar succeeds Brazilian expert Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro and will head the three-member body investigating alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Israel and territories occupied since 13 April 2021 (including East Jerusalem). Live Law+1

Alongside Muralidhar, the Commission includes Florence Mumba (Zambia) and Chris Sidoti (Australia), the latter being a reappointed member. The Commission was established by resolution S-30/1 in 2021 by the United Nations Human Rights Council to conduct an “ongoing, independent international inquiry” — not only into individual incidents but also into root causes of recurring violence, including systemic discrimination based on race, religion or ethnicity. Live Law+2Wikipedia+2

The mandate has been expanded since 2024 following major military operations in Gaza. As recently as September 2025, the Commission’s prior report concluded that the State of Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza — a finding that sharply escalated global legal scrutiny. Bar and Bench - Indian Legal news+2Wikipedia+2

With Muralidhar at the helm, observers expect renewed vigor in investigations and an emphasis on adherence to international legal standards. His background as former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court and decades of human-rights practice — including work before the Supreme Court of India and as counsel for the National Human Rights Commission of India — brings considerable gravitas to the role. Maktoob media+1

Implications:

• The appointment signals a reinvigoration of international accountability efforts on Gaza and Palestine–Israel conflict.
• Legal practitioners and human-rights scholars must closely monitor forthcoming reports and recommendations.
• With an Indian jurist leading the Commission, global attention will pivot to India’s legal-policy stance on the issue.