Israel cuts contact with UN rights council

JERUSALEM - Agence France-Presse

Palestinian men protest against the relocation of an Israeli road gate in the village of Beit Iksa in the occupied West Bank, between Ramallah and Jerusalem. AFP photo

The Israeli foreign ministry decided on March 26 to cut contact with the United Nations Human Rights Council after it said last week it would investigate Israeli settlements, a spokesman said. “There was a decision by the foreign ministry to sever work contacts with the organization,” ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said, adding that Israel had yet to formally inform the council of its decision.

“There won’t be working relations with them, conversations, passing papers, making visits, exchanging information, consulting one another, attending meetings,” he added. “That’s work, and it will not take place.” Israel’s decision is “most regrettable,” the head of the 47-state body said. Laura Dupuy Lasserre said she has not received official confirmation of Israel’s decision, but “if it is indeed the case, this would be most regrettable.” 

Israel last froze transfers in November after the Palestinians were admitted to full membership of the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, over objections from Israel and Washington. It lifted the freeze after less than a month after protests from the international community.

Israel cuts contact with UN human rights council

The Israeli foreign ministry decided on March 26 to cut contact with the United Nations Human Rights Council after it said last week it would investigate Israeli settlements, a spokesman said. “There was a decision by the foreign ministry to sever work contacts with the organization,” ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor said, adding that Israel had yet to formally inform the council of its decision.

“There won’t be working relations with them, conversations, passing papers, making visits, exchanging information, consulting one another, attending meetings,” he added. “That’s work, and it will not take place.” Israel’s decision is “most regrettable,” the head of the 47-state body said. Laura Dupuy Lasserre said she has not received official confirmation of Israel’s decision, but “if it is indeed the case, this would be most regrettable.” 

Israel last froze transfers in November after the Palestinians were admitted to full membership of the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, over objections from Israel and Washington. It lifted the freeze after less than a month after protests from the international community.