Because various officials of the UN (most notably the wretched president of the General Assembly) have justifiably been criticized for their reflexive Israel-bashing in recent weeks, it’s only fair to recognize another one for his honesty.
United Nations Humanitarian Affairs Chief John Holmes blasted Hamas Tuesday for its “cynical” use of civilian facilities during recent hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
“The reckless and cynical use of civilian installations by Hamas and indiscriminate firing of rockets against civilian populations are clear violations of international humanitarian law,” Holmes told the UN Security Council.
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Holmes added that Hamas must not interfere with the movement of humanitarian supplies and urged Israel to reopen the border crossings to allow large quantities of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.“Israel has a particular responsibility as the occupying power in this context, because of its control of Gaza’s borders with Israel, to respect the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law,” he said.
While I would question Holmes’s reference to Israel as the “occupying power” of a territory it no longer occupies, I appreciate his willingness to acknowledge what so many other “humanitarian” types refused to do.
