Israeli Foreign Minister Condemns United Nations Amid Gaza Legal Hearing

Israeli Foreign Minister Condemns United Nations Amid Gaza Legal Hearing

On Monday, Israel’s foreign minister sharply criticized the United Nations as the organization convened a hearing to assess Israel’s legal responsibilities regarding its actions in Gaza. Gidon Sa’ar accused the U.N. of being a fundamentally flawed institution, describing it as a “rotten, anti-Israel, and antisemitic body.” He expressed that the U.N. should face trial for allegedly covering up connections to terrorist elements within the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, known as UNRWA. Sa’ar specifically claimed that UNRWA has ties to the terrorist assaults that occurred on October 7, 2023. He emphasized that the “U.N. must answer for these crimes.”

During a press briefing, Sa’ar articulated Israel’s decision to abstain from participating in what he termed a “circus” designed to strip Israel of its fundamental right to self-defense. This statement highlights escalating tensions between Israel and the U.N., particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict.

Sa’ar further declared that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres bears personal responsibility for the alleged negligence concerning UNRWA’s activities. He accused Guterres of having ample knowledge about problematic practices within UNRWA and failing to act despite Israel’s repeated warnings. Sa’ar accused Guterres of attempting to “whitewash” issues associated with UNRWA and protecting its members involved in terrorist activities.

Accusations of Terrorism Within U.N. Agencies

Further substantiating his harsh critique, Sa’ar referenced reports indicating that 25% of UNRWA employees had prior links to terrorist activities before October 7, 2023. He insinuated that UNRWA operates as a proxy for Hamas, a view that has gained traction in recent discussions surrounding the legitimacy of U.N. agencies.

Fox News Digital sought comments from Guterres’ spokesperson regarding Sa’ar’s serious allegations but did not receive any immediate response.

In an official statement, Guterres’ spokesman, Stéphane Dujarric, dismissed claims that the Secretary-General viewed the proceedings as a mere circus. He characterized the U.N.’s presentation to the International Court of Justice as “extremely detailed and very clear and very legal.” Dujarric noted that Guterres previously expressed significant concerns when Israeli allegations against UNRWA were first introduced to the public.

Addressing the seriousness of the allegations, Dujarric pointed out that UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini took prompt actions in response to the crisis, notably terminating the contracts of staff members who were implicated in the October 7 events.

Humanitarian Crises in Gaza

In addition to the accusations against UNRWA, Dujarric brought attention to the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that critical supplies have reached alarming depletion levels since Israel halted aid shipments in March. He indicated that essential resources such as food, medical supplies, and therapeutic products are becoming increasingly scarce. The lack of assistance has intensified suffering among the civilian population in the territory.

This humanitarian crisis has led to international scrutiny of Israel’s actions, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. U.N. Legal Counsel Elinor Hammarskjöld recently outlined the organization’s concerns over Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories during the ICJ hearings in April.

Legal and Humanitarian Implications of the Conflict

Hammarskjöld referenced a recent Israeli law that prohibits UNRWA from operating within its borders, underscoring that Israel cannot unilaterally prevent impartial humanitarian organizations from delivering essential aid. She emphasized that the principles of neutrality and impartiality must be upheld, emphasizing that U.N. premises are considered inviolable under the Geneva Convention.

In February, Israel issued a statement regarding incidents that showcase breaches of neutrality by UNRWA, asserting that the agency has failed to maintain its guiding principles as prescribed by the U.N. Furthermore, it reiterated instances where terrorist groups have exploited UNRWA facilities for refuge, highlighting ongoing concerns over security issues within the agency.

As part of the increasing tension, the United States recently suspended funding to UNRWA after allegations emerged that some of its staff participated in the events of October 7. This suspension has drawn attention to the agency’s operations, prompting inquiries into its accountability and transparency.

Legal ramifications continue to unfold as well. Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded that UNRWA should not enjoy diplomatic immunity regarding lawsuits filed within the country. On April 24, a lawsuit was initiated by 100 victims of the October 7 attack, seeking $1 billion in damages from UNRWA. Philippe Lazzarini was named as a defendant in the legal action.

A Future of Accountability and Change

The ongoing dispute over UNRWA’s role raises significant questions about the accountability of international organizations in conflict zones. As accusations of terror affiliations and humanitarian violations linger, the urgency for reform within U.N. agencies is gaining traction. With nations and organizations demanding higher levels of accountability, the future of UNRWA and similar bodies rests on their ability to navigate the complex landscape of geopolitical tensions while ensuring the sécurité and humanitarian needs of those affected.