Israel has rejected the findings of a one-sided investigation by the so-called “Independent Commission of Inquiry on the Protests in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” set up last year by the United Nations Human Rights Council – the same UNHRC that maintains a permanent agenda item solely devoted to the condemnation of the State of Israel.
Read: UN Commission: Israel’s Crackdown on Gaza Rioters ‘Crime Against Humanity’
This is not the first time the UNHRC has attempted to charge Israel with crimes against humanity, or war crimes. Given the membership of the organization, it’s likely not to be the last, either.
“The council is setting new records for hypocrisy and mendacity, out of an obsessive hatred of Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East,” said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in responding to the report on Thursday.
“It is Hamas which fires missiles at Israeli citizens, throws explosive devices and carries out terrorist activity during the violent demonstrations along the fence.
“Israel will not allow Hamas to attack Israel’s sovereignty and its people, and will maintain the right of self-defense. IDF soldiers will continue to vigorously defend Israeli citizens against attack by Hamas and the [other] terrorist organizations financed by Iran, which declares its intention to destroy Israel.”
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan was likewise incensed by the findings, saying that the so-called UN Human Rights Council “bears no relation to the protection of human rights.”
Erdan said the release of “this patently false report” was a “sadly predictable step” from a body that has “long lost its legitimacy.“
Israel will continue to protect its citizens from the terrorist group Hamas, he said, adding that it is Hamas and its leaders who must be held accountable for their actions.
“We will not accept the preaching of morals from a council led by authoritarian regimes that violate human rights on a daily basis. When the United Nations ignores Hamas’s cynical exploitation of the “civilian” terror marches as cover for terrorist attacks and denies Israel’s right to defend its citizens, it becomes a partner in Hamas’ terror.
“Every country committed to the struggle against terrorism must reexamine its funding to the UN in light of its encouragement of Hamas’ terrorism.
The IDF and Israeli security forces will continue to protect Israeli citizens in the South, regardless of the UNHRC’s false and absurd reports.”
Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said in a statement that no institution can negate Israel’s right to self-defense and its duty to defend its citizens and borders from violent attacks.
He also pointed out that Gaza’s ruling Hamas terrorist organization is the one responsible for pushing the residents – including the “women and children” – to the fences along the border.