Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, has asserted that he "strongly believes that the day of accountability for Israel is coming."
UN Rapporteur says "day of accountability for Israel is coming"
9 Aug 2024 - 19:21
Balakrishnan Rajagopal, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, has asserted that he "strongly believes that the day of accountability for Israel is coming."
Rajagopal expressed confidence that Israel would eventually face significant accountability, driven by the findings of the International Court of Justice’s investigative report and Israel’s diminishing legitimacy.
"I strongly believe that the day of reckoning will come for Israel, and I hope that behavioral changes will result from the findings of the ICJ's report and the loss of legitimacy," he stated.
The UN expert highlighted a noticeable increase in mobilization against extremist Zionism in Israel over the past fifteen years and suggested that while immediate accountability might not be forthcoming, a shift in Israeli policies is imminent.
Rajagopal called for various measures against Israel, including economic sanctions and trade bans. He questioned why the international community has not taken more decisive action, noting Israel’s alleged violations of UN principles and its treatment of UN personnel and organizations.
He further commented, "Why is it that we don’t overthrow it? It contradicts all the ideals of the UN Charter, kills UN staff wherever it wants, and labels UNRWA as a terrorist organization."
Rajagopal argued that while the UN Security Council’s actions are impeded by the American veto, the General Assembly could potentially act by imposing sanctions or arms embargoes. He urged the Global South, which constitutes a majority in the General Assembly, to leverage its power within the UN framework.
"The General Assembly has these powers," he added. "The question is: Why do the countries of the Global South, who make up the majority and condemn Israel, not utilize the power they hold within the UN Charter?"
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