RAMALLAH, May 18, 2018 (WAFA) – PLO Executive Committee Member Hanan Ashrawi welcomed on Friday the adoption by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of resolution that calls for the formation of an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate the recent Israeli killings along Gaza border.

She remarked, “On behalf of the Palestinian leadership and the people of Palestine, we express our deep appreciation to the members of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) who assumed a principle stand by overwhelmingly voting in favor of this resolution that constitutes a true investment in justice and affirms the international community‘s commitment to seeking accountability for Israel‘s egregious violations.”

She said the resolution “sends a clear and strong message to Israel that its unlawful and immoral actions will not be ignored, condoned or tolerated.”  

“Those countries who voted against the UNHRC resolution are complicit in Israel‘s illegal behavior and continued war crimes. Rather than respecting and acting in accordance with international law and that belief that human life must be protected, the United States and Australia are once again placating the Israeli government at the expense of our fundamental human rights and freedoms,” Ashrawi added.

The PLO Executive Committee member expressed her hope that such a positive step will be followed by “serious punitive measures, including legal, political and economic sanctions, to curb Israel‘s gross violations indefinitely.”

M.N