Israel quits UN Human Rights Council, foreign minister says

JERUSALEM,— Israel has officially notified the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that it will follow the United States in withdrawing its participation, according to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Saar made the announcement on Thursday, stating that the decision was made due to what he described as a persistent and unfair institutional bias against Israel in the Human Rights Council.

This bias, Saar said, has been present since the council’s establishment in 2006. The Foreign Minister conveyed this decision through a letter addressed to UNHRC President Jorg Lauber, which he shared on social media platform X.

The UN’s Special Rapporteur on the Arab Territories, Francesca Albanese, reacted sharply to Israel’s move, calling it “extremely serious.” Speaking to Reuters, Albanese criticized Israel’s stance, accusing the country of failing to acknowledge its actions and asserting a sense of self-righteousness that ignores accountability.

“It demonstrates a profound arrogance and an inability to acknowledge their actions,” Albanese said, noting that Israel is making clear its refusal to be held accountable internationally.

Albanese also raised concerns about the escalating violence and its potential to spread further. She warned that the situation in the West Bank, which many see as a vital part of a future independent state alongside Gaza, could worsen. Israel has faced criticism for its actions in both regions, including its military operations and the activities of Israeli settlers in the West Bank.

Despite these accusations, Israel has consistently denied claims of genocide. Israeli officials maintain that their actions in both Gaza and the West Bank are necessary to safeguard their security.

The ongoing ceasefire in Gaza, which came after a 16-month war with the Islamist militant group Hamas, has temporarily eased tensions, though the region remains fragile.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)