UNHRC Blacklists Israeli Firms Working In Settlements

Al-Quds, 18 Jumadil Akhir 1437/28 March 2016 (MINA) – The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has voted on Thursday to establish a database of Israeli companies working in settlements in order to blacklist them.

According to news reports, this measure was one of four Palestinian Authority (PA) proposals approved by the council.

Efforts to establish the database was fiercely opposed by Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom. Middle East Monitor (MEMO) quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the decision as a victory for the PA’s fight for Palestinian human rights.

Secretary General of the Palestinian National Initiative Mustafa Al-Barghouti also described the resolution as a “victory,” noting that it would strengthen the BDS movement and help impose sanctions on Israel.

Al-Barghouti said that the verbal attack of the Israeli Prime Minister against this resolution would never affect it or undermine the efforts of the BDS and the supporters of human rights.

He also said that the BDS had internationalised the Palestinian issue and placed it on the tables of the international organisations and officials. (T/P002/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)