UN to Add Israel to Blacklist for Violations Against Children in Conflict, Sparking Outrage
The United Nations is set to include Israel on its “blacklist” of countries that have committed abuses against children in armed conflict.
This decision comes amidst ongoing concerns over the high number of Palestinian children killed during Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. The news was confirmed by an Israeli diplomat, causing significant controversy and backlash from the Israeli government.
On Friday, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan announced via social media that he had received official notification from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding the decision.
Erdan expressed his vehement opposition to the move, describing it as “outrageous and wrong.” In a video accompanying his post, Erdan is seen speaking into a telephone, fervently condemning the UN’s action.
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“I responded to this shameful decision, asserting that our army is the most moral in the world. The only one deserving of being blacklisted is the Secretary-General himself, who, in my view, incentivizes and encourages terrorism, driven by an unfounded animosity towards Israel”, Erdan declared.
The UN’s action is part of its annual “Children in Armed Conflict” report, which lists countries where grave violations against children are documented. This year, the inclusion of Israel has heightened tensions and elicited a strong diplomatic response.
According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, a UN official had reached out to the Israeli envoy as “a courtesy afforded to countries newly listed in the annex” of the report. This call was intended to provide a heads-up and prevent information leaks.
Dujarric further elaborated on the procedural norms during a press briefing, noting the unusual circumstances surrounding Ambassador Erdan’s public reaction.
“The recording and partial release of that phone call on Twitter by Ambassador Erdan is both shocking and unacceptable. In my 24 years with this organization, I have never encountered such a breach of protocol”, Dujarric stated.
The “Children in Armed Conflict” report, which identifies and documents violations against children, is scheduled to be presented to the UN Security Council on June 14, with the official publication to follow a few days later.
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The report’s findings and the decision to include Israel are anticipated to stir further international debate and scrutiny over the conduct of military operations in conflict zones.
As the date for the report’s presentation approaches, the discourse surrounding Israel’s inclusion on the blacklist underscores the complexities and heightened sensitivities involved in addressing child protection in conflict areas.
The response from Israel and the subsequent reactions from UN officials highlight the contentious nature of this issue and the broader implications for international relations and child welfare in conflict zones.