UNHRC Faces Backlash for Ignoring Israeli Victims in Moment of Silence, Accused of Bias Against Israel
In a moment of silence at the UN, Pakistan's representative remembered lives lost in the Palestinian territory, sparking criticism and fueling tensions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pakistan's representative at the United Nations, Ambassador Zaman Mehdi, called for a moment of silence to remember the innocent lives lost in the occupied Palestinian territory and elsewhere during the recent violence in the region. While he did not mention Israeli victims, Mehdi pointed out the tragic loss of lives as a reminder of the ongoing violence and illegal foreign occupation in the area. He also expressed concerns about the 16-year-long blockade of Gaza, deeming it illegal and stating that efforts to normalize the situation were inadvertently fueling violence.
The moment of silence was observed at the UN Human Rights Council, with representatives from various countries standing in solidarity. However, the gesture drew criticism from the Anti-Defamation League, which accused the UNHRC of blatantly ignoring the nearly 1,000 Israelis who were brutally massacred by Hamas and the hostages taken into Gaza. The UNHRC's focus on Israel has long been a point of contention, with the organization frequently targeting the country in condemnations and investigations. Francesca Albanese, the UNHRC's special rapporteur for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has also come under scrutiny for her handling of the situation.
Albanese has been accused of antisemitic comments and regularly singles out Israel for criticism while failing to condemn Hamas for its onslaught against Israeli civilians. Her recent accusation that Israel's actions in the West Bank could constitute war crimes and her demand for the release of Palestinian prisoners have further fueled controversy. Amidst the ongoing violence and political debates, it is clear that tensions remain high and finding a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to be a significant challenge.