UN TO BLACKLIST ISRAELI ARMY FOR CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN

Bethlehem, 11 Sha’ban 1436/ 29 Mei 2015 (MINA) – A push is currently being made to add Israeli military to the blacklist of the UN council for Children and Armed Conflict.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui of Armenia, has recommended the IOF be included because of the 500 Palestinian children killed and 3,300 wounded during last summer’s Operation Protective Edge.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon seems likely to resist the call, Ynet reported, particularly in light of heavy opposition from Israel, and threats such a move could fully terminate relations between Israel and the UN, Palestine News Network quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

However, Palestinian pressure abounds not only from the Palestinian Authority, but also its supporters and human rights groups. According to Yediot, UN Secretariat officials also back the Palestinians and have urged Ban not to give in to Israel’s threats.

One ally Israel likely can count on is the United States. Discussing the issue with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday night, US Senator Lindsey Graham warned that continued mistreatment of Israel would result in a “violent push-back” against the UN, Arts Sheva said.

Graham threatened to cut all American funding to the United Nations, should it continue to function in a manner that “marginalizes” Israel.

Israel’s response, meanwhile, was deservedly angry, with Foreign Ministry officials condemning the UN’s bias against the Jewish state.(T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)