'Plausible risk of genocide in Gaza': UN council eyes Israel arms embargo
Apr 04, 2024
Geneva [Switzerland], April 4: The UN Human Rights Council will consider a draft resolution on Friday calling for an arms embargo on Israel.
If the draft resolution is adopted, it would mark the first time the United Nations's top rights body has taken a position on the war raging in Gaza.
The text condemns "the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects by Israel" in populated areas of Gaza and demands Israel "uphold its legal responsibility to prevent genocide".
The eight-page draft demands Israel end its occupation of Palestinian territory and immediately lift its "illegal blockade" on the Gaza Strip. It calls on countries to stop the sale or transfer of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel, citing "a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza".
The draft also "condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare", calls for an immediate ceasefire and "condemns Israeli actions that may amount to ethnic cleansing".
The draft resolution was brought forward by Pakistan on behalf of 55 of the 56 UN member states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) - the exception being Albania. (Agencies)
Source: Qatar Tribune
