Israel exits UN Human Rights Council amid Gaza conflict scrutiny

Friday 07 February 2025 - 08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Israel exits UN Human Rights Council amid Gaza conflict scrutiny

Israel has withdrawn from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), following a similar move by the United States earlier this month. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced the decision on social media platform X, expressing support for the US withdrawal and accusing the international body of anti-Semitism.

The UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese, characterized the withdrawal as "extremely serious." She suggested the move reflected Israel's "self-righteousness" and "hubris," indicating a lack of recognition regarding their actions.

This development comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, where casualties have reached over 61,000 Palestinians according to medical and rescue teams who continue to recover bodies from the rubble. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of crimes against humanity.

The situation has been further complicated by recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who proposed taking control of Gaza and relocating its Palestinian residents to various countries in the region. This proposal has faced significant international criticism, with analysts warning it could amount to ethnic cleansing.

Commenting on Trump's proposal, Albares stated that it "is destroying the basic principles of respect for human rights across a huge spectrum, not just in Palestine," adding that "We have moved further towards the abyss."

The withdrawal from the UNHRC and these recent developments have diminished Palestinian hopes for restoring their previous quality of life, as the conflict enters its fifteenth month.