The implications of Israel's attack on the United Nations

un security council
(File photo: Jordan News)
The expansion of the Israeli occupation’s state sponsored attacks and criticisms of the United Nations and its organizations reflects a uniquely aggressive approach, revealing its continual challenge to the international community, its institutions, and its disregard for the humanitarian values upon which international organizations are founded. This behavior has significant impacts on international relations, adherence to international law, and conflict resolution dynamics, in addition to showcasing the state of tension and confusion among the leaders of this entity and their criminal tendencies.اضافة اعلان

Israel's ongoing defiance of the United Nations, which symbolizes, albeit ineffectually, international law and peacekeeping, indicates its disregard for the global consensus and legal frameworks established within the framework of the United Nations, even though major UN decisions often reflect the interests of powerful countries. This Israeli stance not only challenges the authority of the United Nations but also undermines collective efforts to uphold international principles and laws.

The Israeli government's attack extended to the current UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, due to his reminders to Israel about its obligations under international law. His public statements about the long-standing suffering of the Palestinians under Israeli occupation and violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank, and his declaration that the events of October 7 are a result of the ongoing occupation, were not well-received. These descriptions by high-level international figures and bodies, including the UN Secretary-General, were unsettling for Israel.
The UN General Assembly issued about 140 resolutions criticizing Israel between 2015 and 2022 alone. It is not surprising that Israel is the country most resistant to implementing UN resolutions.
Their attack intensified when Guterres used his powers two weeks ago according to Article 99 of the UN Charter, drawing the Security Council's attention to Israel's actions in Gaza as exacerbating threats to international peace and security.

The confrontational stance of the Israeli government towards the United Nations is evident in its calls for the resignation of Secretary-General Guterres and its fierce attacks on various UN bodies such as the World Health Organization, UN Women, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This approach clearly demonstrates Israel's annoyance with any entity reminding them of their international and humanitarian obligations.

Despite the influence of powerful countries, especially those with veto power, on UN decisions, the United Nations still plays a fundamental role in resolving global conflicts. Israel's non-compliance with its resolutions, especially those related to Palestinian rights, significantly hampers these efforts.

Moreover, Israel's continuous criticisms of UNRWA and the restriction of visas for high-level UN officials, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights, despite his weak positions regarding the occupation's crimes and recent massacres in Gaza, negatively affect the effectiveness and performance of these organizations.

The cancellation of the visa of the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, is another example of these capricious restrictions on UN representatives. These actions not only hinder the provision of essential services and assistance to Palestinians under occupation but also raise concerns about the safety of UN staff and their freedom of operation in the occupied Palestinian territories. This may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of UN missions, especially in vital areas such as health, education, relief, social services, and various humanitarian aids.
Despite the influence of powerful countries, especially those with veto power, on UN decisions, the United Nations still plays a fundamental role in resolving global conflicts. Israel's non-compliance with its resolutions, especially those related to Palestinian rights, significantly hampers these efforts.
The matter did not stop there; severe criticisms were directed at the "International Committee of the Red Cross," accusing it of collusion with the Palestinians under occupation!

It is well-known that the United Nations has issued a large number of resolutions against Israel due to its ongoing occupation of Palestine and expansion of settlement operations, which Israel has completely ignored. The UN General Assembly issued about 140 resolutions criticizing Israel between 2015 and 2022 alone. It is not surprising that Israel is the country most resistant to implementing UN resolutions.

These positions of the Israeli occupation state pose a significant legal and moral challenge to the world and the existing international order. Its continuous attack on the United Nations and its agencies profoundly affects international law, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the effectiveness of global governance. It challenges the fundamental principles of the international system and raises questions about the future of international cooperation and efforts in building and maintaining global peace.


Ahmad M. Awad, A researcher on Human Rights and Sustainable Development, director of Phenix Center for Economic Studies, Jordan, @AhmadMAwad


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