Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, has expressed his belief that the United Nations should be held accountable for its actions in supporting terrorist organizations. His comments were made in response to a genocide case brought against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding its conflict with Hamas.
Last Friday, Israel requested that the ICJ dismiss a case filed by South Africa in December, which accused Israel of committing genocide during its ongoing bombardment of Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that its military operations in the Palestinian enclave are in accordance with international law and its right to self-defense.
Israel formally addressed the genocide charges at the court in The Hague on Friday, condemning South Africa’s claims as unfounded and serving as a defense for Hamas.
In addition, Erdan, who has frequently clashed with UN officials since Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, accused the UN of complicity with Hamas for considering South Africa’s accusation.
Erdan expressed his views on the matter, stating, “The proceedings in The Hague demonstrate how the UN and its institutions have become tools used by terrorist organizations.”
Erdan emphasized that the utilization of the Genocide Convention against the Jewish state and the association of Hamas leaders with the Nazis demonstrates the UN’s complete lack of moral integrity. The Genocide Convention was established in 1945 as a global response to the atrocities committed during World War II, particularly against European Jews by Nazi Germany. It defines genocide as the deliberate destruction of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, either in whole or in part.
According to health officials, the number of casualties in Gaza has reached at least 23,708.
Erdan further stated that the UN should be held accountable in The Hague for its complicity in turning a blind eye to the construction of terror tunnels in Gaza, the misuse of international aid for the production of weapons, and the promotion of hatred and violence through education.
In late October, Erdan called for the resignation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres due to his remarks suggesting that Hamas’ attack was not an isolated incident.
Throughout history, the UN has passed numerous resolutions condemning the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which were initially delineated by the United Nations, as well as the expansion of Israeli settlements.
Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon faced criticism from Israeli representatives for stating that people will always resist an occupation when referring to the relationship between Israel and the Palestinian territories.
