Thank you Madam President,
The draft resolution that this Council is about to vote on has nothing to do with reality, has nothing to do with human rights, and definitely has nothing to do with promoting dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians.
Madam President,
For years the Human Rights Council has been creating a parallel universe where Hamas and Israel are given a moral equivalence, a parallel universe that has no grip in reality. A universe in which politics prevails over human rights. This session and this draft resolution are no different.
Madam President,
After listening to the interventions given here today, let me set the record straight.
On May 7th, a senior Hamas leader, Fathi Hammad, said and I quote “cut off the heads of the Jews with knives”. Just three days later, Hamas, a racist, genocidal terrorist organization launched an unprovoked, unjustified attack against the civilian population in Israel, while cynically hiding military infrastructure in the midst of Gaza's civilian population. This constitutes a double war crime.
Over these 11 days, Israel did its outmost to protect all its civilians. For that, indeed, it used its advanced military protective systems, its civilian shelters and its laws and regulations in times of emergency. We will make no apologies for defending our citizens. Israel has the capabilities to defend its people in accordance with international law and we will continue to do so.
Madam President,
There is no doubt that in this parallel universe, Hamas will not be held accountable for its war crimes and will not be the focus of this investigation.
There will also be no accountability for Israeli victims while Hamas terrorists are in control of the Gaza Strip, and are shielded by their partners in Ramallah and representatives in Geneva. Jibril Rajoub, Secretary-General of Fatah, last weekend said,: [quote] "We do not condemn, on the contrary, we salute every form of resistance. These rockets shook their entity and drew a blow to their sense of security". [unquote]
States participating today need to ask themselves, will they embrace this parallel universe? Will they vote to create a new mechanism knowing how obsessively the Council already deals with Israel? I do not need to remind you of the numerous resolutions, special sessions and biased reports targeting my country.
Members of the Council voting yes will only perpetuate this parallel universe, we urge you to vote against this resolution.
I thank you, Madam President.