UN commission accuses Israel of 'extermination' in controversial report
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Israel is accused of committing “the crime against humanity of extermination” and impeding religious freedoms in a recent United Nations report.

The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel (COI) issued a scathing 19-page report. 

In a summary of the report, the COI said it “examines violations of international human rights law, international humanitarian law and possible international crimes relating to attacks against educational facilities and religious and cultural sites.” However, the COI appears to be harsher on Israel than Palestinian authorities. 

United Nations Assembly

Israeli Permanent Member to the United Nations Danny Danon speaks during a session of the Security Council at the New York City headquarters. (Israel United Nations Mission)

In its conclusion, the COI offers 13 recommendations for Israel, two for “the de facto authorities in Gaza,” two for “the Government of the State of Palestine,” and two for all U.N. member states.

The report is already sparking controversy, with the U.S. mission and legal experts expressing concerns over its content.

“The latest report from this U.N.’s kangaroo court is a frightening indication of the antisemitism and incitement to violence spread by the United Nations on a global scale,” Anne Bayefsky, Director of the Touro Institute on Human Rights and the Holocaust and President of Human Rights Voices told Fox News Digital.

“To be clear, Palestinians are going through sheer hell in this conflict and a lot of that is because Hamas has put them in an impossible situation. We’ve been clear that Israel has a right to take action against Hamas, but we’ve also been just as clear that Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians,” the spokesperson added.

In another part of the report, the COI notes that the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) documented 42 instances from Oct. 7, 2023, to March 15, 2024, in which “parties to the conflict” interfered with its schools.  

In response to a Fox News Digital request for comment and clarification on whether Hamas used its schools, UNRWA reiterated its condemnations of “any party to the conflict” using its facilities for “military or fighting purposes.”

“Since the start of the war, UNRWA has repeatedly condemned the use of UN facilities by any party to the conflict for military or fighting purposes. We have repeatedly called for independent investigation and accountability for the blatant disregard of UN staff lives, premises and operations,” a spokesperson for UNRWA told Fox News Digital. “We reiterate our call on all parties to the conflict to respect the sanctity and neutrality of UN installations.”

While UNRWA did not directly address whether Hamas used its facilities, the commission said that Israeli forces caused “the majority of harm to educational facilities.” While the commission mentions Israel’s claim that Hamas has operated out of these schools, it also says that the terror organization “contested” the allegation. 

United Nations facade

A view of the United Nations Headquarters building in New York City, United States on July 16, 2024. (Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

In its recommendations for Israel, the commission calls on Jerusalem to “cease the use of educational facilities and cultural sites for military purposes.” It also recommended that “de facto authorities in Gaza” — Hamas — “cease using civilian objects for military purposes.”

The commission also calls on Israel to “provide effective, adequate and prompt remedy for victims of human rights violations, including surviving family members,” but makes no such demands of those responsible for atrocities committed on Oct. 7.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
White House denies reporting by Guardian on VA benefits: 'totally FALSE story'

White House Disputes Guardian’s VA Benefits Reporting as ‘Completely Inaccurate’

(The Hill) — The Trump administration on Monday denied reporting by The…
Jon Stewart rips Trump on Israel-Iran conflict: 'Weren't we about to make a nuclear deal?'

Jon Stewart criticizes Trump regarding the Israel-Iran conflict: ‘Weren’t we on the verge of reaching a nuclear deal?’

Jon Stewart is tearing into President Trump, mocking him as the country’s failed “dealmaker…
A judge could advance Purdue Pharma's $7B opioid settlement after all 50 states back it

All 50 states support Purdue Pharma’s $7 billion opioid settlement, giving a judge the potential to approve it.

All 50 U.S. states have agreed to the OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma…
Bill Clinton wondered if Trump administration might try to ban his book

Bill Clinton is concerned about the possibility of the Trump administration banning his book

Former President Bill Clinton says that as the latest thriller he co-authored…
Signs Brad Pitt is 'floundering' in his relationship with Ines

Indicators that Brad Pitt is struggling in his relationship with Ines

Brad Pitt and his girlfriend made a rare appearance on the red carpet…
Thousands of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles stolen in $1.4M cargo heist

Thousands of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles stolen in $1.4M cargo heist

Nintendo Switch 2 hits the shelves Nintendo’s first new console in 8…
The 'Gorilla' controlling Trump... and his shock plans for war in Iran

The ‘Gorilla’ influencing Trump… and his surprising intentions for conflict in Iran

When considering potential involvement in Israel’s conflict with Iran, Donald Trump has…
Habit followed by millions doubles risk of sudden heart attack death

Popular Habit Linked to Increased Risk of Sudden Heart Attack Fatality

People who use marijuana are putting themselves at up to twice the…