GENEVA: The United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council will consider a draft resolution on Friday seeking an arms embargo on Israel, citing the “plausible risk of genocide in Gaza”.
This landmark move comes in response to mounting concerns over the escalating violence in Gaza, with the resolution citing a “plausible risk of genocide” in the region.
Proposed by Pakistan on behalf of 55 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the draft resolution has garnered significant attention. Notably, Albania stands as the sole exception among the OIC member states. Co-sponsors of the resolution include Bolivia, Cuba, and the Palestinian mission in Geneva.
The eight-page draft unequivocally condemns Israel’s use of explosive weapons in densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip. It further demands that Israel fulfill its legal obligations to prevent genocide and calls for an immediate end to its occupation of Palestinian territory. Additionally, the resolution urges Israel to lift its “illegal blockade” on Gaza and cease all forms of collective punishment.
Resolution Seeks Israel Arms Embargo
One of the critical aspects of the draft resolution is its call for a halt to the sale or transfer of arms, munitions, and military equipment to Israel. This provision is justified by the risk of genocide in Gaza.
The resolution also voices grave concern over the impact of explosive weapons on crucial civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, water, electricity, and shelters. It strongly condemns the use of starvation as a method of warfare and calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Human Rights Council, comprising 47 member states, will require at least 24 votes for the resolution to pass.
The draft resolution comes amidst an ongoing military campaign by Israel, which has killed at least 32,916 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
