2 weeks Ago
Last month, the United Nations observed the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to Victims of Terrorism with a poignant exhibit at its New York headquarters. However, the display was notably incomplete, as it failed to acknowledge any acts of terrorism against Israelis. This omission was particularly glaring given the horrific mass attack by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad last October, which resulted in 1,125 deaths and over 250 hostages.
The UN's reluctance to address these attacks might stem from its own involvement in perpetuating terrorism. Documented evidence shows that UN-run schools indoctrinate Palestinian youth with martyrdom and terror ideologies. Additionally, UN facilities such as schools and hospitals have often been used to shelter terrorist operations, and most alarmingly, employees of UNRWA participated in the atrocities of the Oct 7 massacre.
This disregard for terrorism against Israel extends beyond exhibits and is evident in the UN's actions. For example, a recent resolution tabled in the UN General Assembly this week concerning an advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel's policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory reflects this selective blindness. The resolution aims to enforce a non-binding ICJ advisory opinion but ignores the brutal reality of ongoing terrorism against Israelis.
In the fantasy world of the resolution, thousands of missiles have not been fired against Israelis by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from areas Israel evacuated in Gaza. Thousands more have not been fired by Hezbollah from areas Israel has withdrawn from in Lebanon. Absent too are repeated attacks from Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Judea & Samaria (the West Bank) and, most notably, from the instigator and orchestrator of these proxies, Iran itself.
Presenting this make-believe scenario, the resolution calls on states not to provide Israel with the basic weapons and ammunition it needs to protect its civilians, depriving it of the right to protect itself and its citizens, one of the fundamental rights of all states under the UN charter. Moreover, the resolution's call for unconditional Israeli withdrawal from the territories from which it is attacked overlooks the complex network of terror tunnels and missile depots in Gaza. It completely disregards past agreements granting Israel the right to defend itself and forgets that Israel's 2005 unilateral withdrawal from Gaza led not to peace but to further catastrophe.
The resolution also unfairly accuses Israel of racial segregation and apartheid while ignoring the rights and active participation of Israel's Arab citizens. For instance, the rescue of Farhan Al-Qadi, an Israeli-Arab Muslim held captive by Hamas for more than 300 days, highlights the huge moral difference between the sides. The resolution also shows no concern for Palestinians' needs, ignoring the importance of Israeli businesses in Judea and Samaria for Palestinian employment and income.
It calls for an economic boycott against Israel and fails to address Hamas' brutal theft of international aid, suppression of free speech in Gaza and denial of basic rights of the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip. Furthermore, the resolution's call for a meeting of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention on occupied territories is unprecedented, as such meetings have only been called concerning Israel, which is notable for its adherence to the Convention's provisions. This resolution undermines the fundamental principle that peace can only be achieved through direct negotiations between Israel and its neighbours.
Instead, it risks moving the situation further from peace by supporting the Palestinian Authority's attempt to delegitimise Israel through political manoeuvring rather than pursuing genuine negotiations. True peace will only be achieved through direct bilateral negotiations, not by exploiting international tribunals. The international community has a role to play in addressing the Middle East's conflicts, but it must first recognise the complexity of the situation.
Countries genuinely concerned with regional peace should strongly reject this resolution, which fails to advance peace and suggests that the UN is inclined to reward rather than condemn Hamas' terrorism. Orna Sagiv is the Ambassador of Israel to Thailand and Cambodia..
