The urgent call for UN accountability in the shadow of October 7

In the wake of October 7, the international landscape has been thrust into a paradoxical reality, where the moral compass guiding global governance appears not merely lost but fundamentally reversed. Within this vortex of confusion, the United Nations, historically the beacon of neutrality and humanitarian advocacy, has paradoxically emerged as a purveyor of shadow rather than light, especially in its interactions with Israel.

The UN’s stance, increasingly perceived as a repetitive disappointment, has been starkly highlighted by a recent report from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). This publication, which purports to illuminate alleged misconduct by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in Gaza, notably against women and girls, conspicuously neglects the broader context: the OHCHR’s own leadership connections to Iran, a state with well-documented support for Hamas both ideologically and financially. This omission is not a mere oversight but a glaring indication of the entrenched bias within the organization.

Central to the UN’s expert panel, tasked with upholding a standard of impartiality, is Francesca Albabese, the Special Rapporteur for the Palestinian territories. Albabese’s tenure has been consistently shadowed by accusations of an anti-Israel and antisemitic bias, culminating in her prohibition from entering Israel following her contentious remarks on social media regarding the October 7 incident. Such statements and actions cast significant doubt on the supposed impartiality of UN appointees and suggest a deeper, more concerning alignment between the UN and Iran. This alliance, it seems, is united by a common goal: to undermine Israel’s standing on the global stage.

The timing and substance of the OHCHR’s report, coinciding with financial and ethical controversies surrounding the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and its alleged collusion with Hamas, further expose the profound partnership between the UN and elements openly hostile to Israel.

This pattern of bias extends beyond mere disappointment, venturing into the realm of alarm. The UN and its affiliates appear to project onto the IDF – and by extension, Israel and its Jewish population – the very accusations leveled against Hamas. This inversion of the narrative overlooks the copious evidence of Hamas’s brutality, documented through eyewitness accounts, forensic analysis, and admissions on social media.

The OHCHR’s report emerges as a disconcerting mirror of reality, where documented crimes of Hamas are ascribed to the IDF without evidence. The stark absence of UN condemnation or investigation into Hamas’s documented use of sexual violence as a weapon, juxtaposed with baseless allegations against the IDF, underscores a profound double standard.

The report not only contrasts with evidence presented by the IDF regarding the inhumane treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas but also omits critical context, such as Israel’s efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza, even amidst reports of Hamas operatives targeting civilians seeking this aid.

Moreover, the narrative is complicated by accusations against Hamas for breaching ceasefire conditions and failing to distribute medicine to hostages, charges mirrored against the IDF in the OHCHR report without comparable evidence.

The OHCHR’s suggestion that the IDF’s alleged actions “may constitute grave violations of international human rights and humanitarian law” is made without applying the same level of scrutiny to well-documented instances of Hamas’s war crimes.

In response to these allegations, the UN’s call for an “independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, and effective investigation” directly challenges Israel, a nation that has consistently advocated for transparency and accountability.

At this pivotal moment, it is crucial to unify in demanding that the UN address and rectify its inherent biases. Collective action is essential to realign the narrative with the foundations of truth and justice. We invite you to join us in advocating for accountability and a recommitment to the principles that should, ideally, guide the United Nations’ mission.