(BSS/AFP) - The three members of a United Nations commission charged with investigating human rights abuses in Israel and the Palestinian territories have resigned, saying it is time to renew the body, a UN spokesperson said Monday.

The three-person commission was created in 2021 and has been sharply criticized by Israel.

South Africa`s Navi Pillay, 83, who once headed the international tribunal for Rwanda, cited her age in a letter announcing her resignation.

Australia`s Chris Sidoti, 74, said in his letter it was an "appropriate time" to renew the commission, while India`s Miloon Kothari, in his late 60s, just said it had been "an honour" to serve.

Jurg Lauber, the head of the UN`s Human Rights Council, asked the council`s member states to propose new members by August 31.