Below are highlights from the UN Human Rights Council debate held yesterday and today, followed by UN Watch’s response.
UN rights chief Navi Pillay opened the debate by saying she was “shocked” that “humanitarian aid would be met with such violence,” and “unequivocally condemned” Israel’s “unnecessary use of force.”
The Palestinian representative accused Israel of “believing it is above the law.” Turkey decried Israel’s “great breach of international law.” Egypt for the Non-Aligned Movement said that the incident was “another example of Israel’s total avoidance of international law and disregard for international norms.”
Austria, Iceland, Panama and El Salvador urged an investigation. However, Canada urged all states “not to rush to conclusions before all facts are known.” Canada expressed concern for the condition of people living in Gaza but “can strongly understand Israel’s concerns about terrorism from Gaza that threatens their national security.”
Spain for the EU expressed “deepest concerns about the events.” Pakistan for the Islamic Group protested the “unprovoked outrageous attack on the ships carrying humanitarian aid… Israel should no longer be allowed to release a reign of terror on Palestinians.” Israel’s “heinous crime” was “a brutal reminder of its continued total disregard for human rights and humanitarian law.”
The USA was “deeply disturbed” by the recent violence and “regrets the tragic loss of life and injuries.” The Obama Administration “strongly urged the Israeli government to investigate the incident fully.” The USA remains “deeply concerned by the suffering of civilians in Gaza.” At the same time, Hamas’ arms smuggling and commitment to terrorism “undermines security and prosperity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”
Sudan for the Arab Group stated that “this Israeli attack against the freedom flotilla is a violation of both maritime law and human rights law.”
Cuba slammed “the international powers that provide Israel with a cloak to protect and shield,” saying they “must answer to history.”
China called the events “shocking.” Yemen condemned Israel’s actions for showing “all forms of international terrorism and piracy.” Lebanon called Israel’s actions one more addition to “Israel’s long list of Israeli terror.”
UN Watch Intervention
Delivered by Hillel Neuer, 2 June 2010
Mr. President, this debate turns on one question: Was the flotilla humanitarian, or not?
To answer this question, let us first examine the objective of the organizers, and then the means they used.
Evidence of the organizer’s objective can be found in the path they chose, and the path they rejected.
Israel, which in the past 18 months has delivered over 1 million tons of aid to Gaza, offered to receive the flotilla’s cargo in the nearby port of Ashdod, and, after inspection, to deliver it to Gaza. The organizers, however, rejected this offer. Because they wanted to create a political provocation; they were looking for a physical confrontation.
Mr. President, is this a humanitarian path?
Further evidence can be found in their state of mind, as demonstrated by their own words.
Before the ships sailed, supporters chanted “Intifada, Intifada,” and “Khaybar, Khaybar, O Jews, the army of Muhammed will return.” One of them declared that the aim of the flotilla was either of two “good things… achieving martyrdom or reaching Gaza.”
Mr. President, is this a humanitarian state of mind?
Let us also examine the means they used: metal bars, knives, axes, and even guns.
Mr. President, are these humanitarian means?
No. This operation was organized by an extremist group, the IHH, with extensive and documented ties to terrorist groups. Their objective and means had nothing to do with humanitarianism.
Now, seated around me here are representatives of some of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN Refugee Agency, and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Let us ask them: Are these the ways of humanitarians?
No, Mr. President, the resolution that is before us today – introduced by such countries as Iran, Libya, Saudi Arabia and Sudan – is an insult to the world’s real humanitarians.
Thank you, Mr. President.
(Written text of UN Watch’s speech, as it was provided to the UN for its official record)
To Hillel Neuer:
Well said and thank God for all the people that work with UN Watch providing a voice for justice not only for Israel but for other countries as well. Sadly, the UN is dominated by countries that are not interested in justice but rather only in achieving their own agendas. The UN and the USA’s President Clinton stood by while millions were slaughtered in Africa. Why is it that we don’t hear the UN condemning the other murderous regimes? And, yet when Israel defends itself they are condemned and the attacker is made the victim of this travesty of justice. Let’s just say that if Israel had been allowed by the USA to finish the job when they were attacked in previous wars. The terrorists would be gone from their borders and the so-called name stealing Palestinians would have been freed from the camps and poverty that their own Arab brothers kept them in for political purposes to push the Jews into the sea.
The Arabs have 25,000,000 (25 million) sq miles of land that was given to them. Israel was given much more by the same people that gave the Arabs their land. The Arabs complained and the largest part of their land was taken away and given to the Arabs in Jordan which is where the so- called Palestinians are supposed to be. Since then, under pressure by the world, Israel gave up land and are presently left with just a sliver of land of about 9,000 (9 thousand) sq miles or maybe even less. Do you see the injustice? If not, then I’m talking to the wall.
May God, bless the peace makers and all those that cry out for justice in the world. My position is that I love all people no matter what their religion, color or culture is. I have spent time in Lebanon and have traveled throughout the country and visited many Muslims in towns and cities nearest the Israeli border. These Muslims are friends of mine and they have a special place in my heart for them. This last information was put forth by myself to let you know that there is no bias in my opinion but rather a quest that the truth be known and justice should prevail for all people no matter who they are. Also, I haven’t ever been to Israel. Hopefully, I will make it there someday.
I believe that the principles of justice are being put forth by UN Watch not only for Israel’s benefit but for all peoples. I have no connection to UN Watch other than being a supporter of the work that they do for all of us who love freedom and hate tyranny. Please, if you can, give them your support also.
Thanks,
Bob A
My husband and I would like to thank and congratulate Hillel Neuer on his defense of the state of Israel in response to the attack from the ‘humanitarian’ ship. We have sent the banned speech with its strong arguments to all our family and friends so that people can see what a strong voice we have thanks to the UN Watch and pepole like Mr. Neuer. Please know that you have many people behind you and your incredible work in Montreal.
Thank you.
UN Watch does excellent work bringing the hypocracy of the UN HRC to public attention. The HRC representatives of the governments of the world show themselves to be liars and anti-Semites. The very organisation that is supposed to bring peace to the world is doing the very opposite! What motivates these people to condemn Israel for defending itself against an indefatigable foe? Pure evil; what else can it be?