In a move that has caused a great deal of uproar, the United Nations’ Human Rights Council (UNHRC) issued a statement not recognizing Israel’s right to self-defense against combatants, including those belonging to the Gaza based terror organization, Hamas. This has widely been considered as an attempt to invalidate Israel’s standing as a sovereign state, as well as to challenge its right to self-defense.
Hamas has long been designated as a terrorist group and has been successful in numerous attacks on Israeli forces. In response, Israel has taken necessary steps to protect its citizens and has done so in accordance with international law. The UNHRC, in their statement, made the claim that Israel does not have the right to use force against Hamas forces, as it would take away their exclusive right to self-determination.
This position has been opposed by the United States, along with many other countries, as it seeks to usurp the power of the Security Council (UNSC). It is also largely seen as an affront to the principle of self-defense, which is a fundamental human right that all countries possess.
The United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, issued a statement condemning the UNHRC’s position and stating that “It is shameful that the UNHRC does not recognize the right of every nation to act in self-defense against terrorist organizations.” The United States has also taken the stance that, while Israel has a right to defend itself, it must also be mindful of the collateral damage caused by its actions.
In response to the UNHRC’s position, other countries have pointed out the absurdity of their assertions, as well as the damaging effect such a stance would have on the international community. Many have noted that, while Hamas may possess the territory it claims, that does not give them the exclusive right to self-determination that the UNHRC seeks to protect.
In a joint statement, several countries, including the United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada have urged the UNHRC to reconsider their stance and ensure that Israel obtains the right to defend itself from all forms of aggression.
The United Nations Human Rights Council appears to have overstepped its mark in this instance, and its stance has caused considerable uproar internationally. The council should bear in mind the rights of all nation-states to self-defense, particularly when they are dealing with terror-based organizations such as Hamas. If the UNHRC is as earnest in its desire to respect nation-states’ sovereignty and protect civil rights, then it must recognize Israel’s right to self-defense.