A report commissioned by the UN Human Rights Council and released this Tuesday (7th) attributed to the continued occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel the responsibility for the cycle of violence that affects the region and that has intensified again.
“Persistent discrimination against Palestinians across the West Bank and in Jerusalem, threats of attacks, forced displacement, demolitions of homes and the expansion of Israeli settlements, as well as the blockade of the Gaza Strip, all contribute to the continuation of cycles of violence”, says an excerpt from the document.
The material is the result of an independent investigation commission made up of three members — from India, South Africa and Australia — and created by the United Nations human rights arm after the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and the group Hamas in May of last year, which lasted 11 days in all and left more than 240 victims.
The 18-page report says that discrimination emanating from the State of Israel creates an oppressive environment that “feeds Palestinian resentment” and, consequently, “Israeli insecurity”. He also says that ending the occupation, by itself, will not be enough, being necessary, in addition, the maintenance of human rights.
Israel’s foreign ministry, in a statement, said the material was merely a waste of public money in the effort of what it describes as a witch hunt against the country.
“It is a partial and biased report, marked by hatred for the State of Israel; it disregards years of murderous terrorism by Palestinian terrorist organizations against Israeli citizens,” reads an excerpt from the note posted on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
On the official profile of a social network, the folder went further. “This discriminatory report leaves us with more global hatred, violence and anti-Semitism, a demonization of Israel and a reward for terrorism,” reads one Publication done earlier.
The report, which emerged from the commission of inquiry, however, is also critical of the Palestinian Authority, saying that the leaders often use the Israeli occupation as a justification for violating human rights and as a main reason for the failure to hold free elections. “The authorities in Gaza show little commitment to the defense of human rights and low adherence to the norms of international humanitarian law,” the material states.
There is also a criticism of the absence of gender equality. “While Palestinian women play an active role in communities and social movements, gaps in equal participation in politics, decision-making and peace processes persist,” she says.
Hamas welcomed the report and called for Israeli leaders to be prosecuted for what they say are crimes against Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority called for action to “end Israel’s impunity”. The report will be discussed at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council next week.
Conflicts between Palestinians and Israelis have escalated again in recent months, with a series of attacks recorded on the streets of Israel and several operations launched in the occupied territories.
In one of these actions, in Jenin, in the West Bank, in May, the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who worked for the news channel Al Jazeera, died. The episode is still under investigation.
