Menu
20/04/2004
Israel defends 'targeted assassination' policy at UN
At an open UN Security Council meeting yesterday, Israel defended its decision to kill two founding members of the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, saying such "defensive actions" would not have occurred had the Palestinian leadership been a "genuine partner in peace".
The Israeli ambassador, Dan Gillerman, told the 15-member Security Council that peace initiatives compelled the Palestinian Authority to "arrest murders like Dr Rantissi", not give them protection and safe haven.
The meeting was held following the 'targeted assassinations' of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and his replacement, Abdelaziz Rantissi, in the Gaza Strip over the past month.
Mr Gillerman defended the 'extrajudicial killing' policy as "in line with the Council resolutions", stipulating that those who harboured terrorists "must be held accountable".
If there was something "extrajudicial", the ambassador said, it was the total refusal of the Palestinian leadership for years to act against terrorism.
The targeting of Dr Rantissi was not merely a defensive act to prevent attacks against civilians; it was part of the global struggle against terrorism, he added.
Mr Gillerman also expressed his regret that the Council had met on 'Holocaust Remembrance Day' not to condemn the murder of innocent civilians by organizations such as Hamas, but to "denounce the demise of a key architect of those massacres".
However, there was fierce condemnation of Israel's actions. The Permanent Observer of Palestine, Nasser Al-Kidwa, told the meeting that Israel "continued its reign of terror against Palestinian people", and it had not ended its "campaign of death and destruction in the occupied Palestinian territory". He further accused Israel of maiming "defenceless Palestinian civilians" in grave breach of international law.
The killing of Dr Rantissi, as well as two Palestinian bodyguards who had been with him, was the latest in a long series of war crimes committed by the occupying power, Mr Al-Kidwa said.
Mr Al-Kidwa said that the failure of the Council to take urgent measures to address the deterioration of the situation had "further emboldened" the Israeli government to "continue carrying out such illegal actions with impunity".
Yahya Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, said Israel was "continuing its policy of killing Palestinians with impunity". Israel’s actions, including the building of a separation wall, threatened peace and security and were undermining the peace process, he said.
He stressed the importance of the Arab peace initiative, which was an attempt to end the occupation involving the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Palestinian territories.
The Committee also invited the Quartet to apply all its influence on the parties to implement the Road Map, the "only viable option to ensure the security of both parties".
(gmcg)
The Israeli ambassador, Dan Gillerman, told the 15-member Security Council that peace initiatives compelled the Palestinian Authority to "arrest murders like Dr Rantissi", not give them protection and safe haven.
The meeting was held following the 'targeted assassinations' of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin and his replacement, Abdelaziz Rantissi, in the Gaza Strip over the past month.
Mr Gillerman defended the 'extrajudicial killing' policy as "in line with the Council resolutions", stipulating that those who harboured terrorists "must be held accountable".
If there was something "extrajudicial", the ambassador said, it was the total refusal of the Palestinian leadership for years to act against terrorism.
The targeting of Dr Rantissi was not merely a defensive act to prevent attacks against civilians; it was part of the global struggle against terrorism, he added.
Mr Gillerman also expressed his regret that the Council had met on 'Holocaust Remembrance Day' not to condemn the murder of innocent civilians by organizations such as Hamas, but to "denounce the demise of a key architect of those massacres".
However, there was fierce condemnation of Israel's actions. The Permanent Observer of Palestine, Nasser Al-Kidwa, told the meeting that Israel "continued its reign of terror against Palestinian people", and it had not ended its "campaign of death and destruction in the occupied Palestinian territory". He further accused Israel of maiming "defenceless Palestinian civilians" in grave breach of international law.
The killing of Dr Rantissi, as well as two Palestinian bodyguards who had been with him, was the latest in a long series of war crimes committed by the occupying power, Mr Al-Kidwa said.
Mr Al-Kidwa said that the failure of the Council to take urgent measures to address the deterioration of the situation had "further emboldened" the Israeli government to "continue carrying out such illegal actions with impunity".
Yahya Mahmassani, Permanent Observer of the League of Arab States, said Israel was "continuing its policy of killing Palestinians with impunity". Israel’s actions, including the building of a separation wall, threatened peace and security and were undermining the peace process, he said.
He stressed the importance of the Arab peace initiative, which was an attempt to end the occupation involving the withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Palestinian territories.
The Committee also invited the Quartet to apply all its influence on the parties to implement the Road Map, the "only viable option to ensure the security of both parties".
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 June 2006
Palestinian officials 'detained' by Israel
Four Palestinian cabinet ministers, and dozens of officials of Hamas, have been detained in a move to "destabilise" the Hamas government according to Palestinian sources. However, in what are said to be separate moves by the Israeli government against militia targets in Palestine, two militants are reported to have been killed.
Palestinian officials 'detained' by Israel
Four Palestinian cabinet ministers, and dozens of officials of Hamas, have been detained in a move to "destabilise" the Hamas government according to Palestinian sources. However, in what are said to be separate moves by the Israeli government against militia targets in Palestine, two militants are reported to have been killed.
01 May 2003
Prime Minister welcomes Roadmap for Middle East peace
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the presentation of the Middle East peace plan to the Israeli government and the newly installed Palestinian cabinet. The Roadmap was presented yesterday after the swearing in ceremony of the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas yesterday – a precondition for publication.
Prime Minister welcomes Roadmap for Middle East peace
Prime Minister Tony Blair has welcomed the presentation of the Middle East peace plan to the Israeli government and the newly installed Palestinian cabinet. The Roadmap was presented yesterday after the swearing in ceremony of the new Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas yesterday – a precondition for publication.
12 November 2004
Arafat's coffin arrives in Ramallah
The body of the Yasser Arafat has arrived in Ramallah – the compound where he spent two years blockaded in by the Israeli army. The Palestinian leader, whom Tony Blair described as having "symbolised the Palestinian national movement", is expected to be buried in a stone coffin inside his ruined compound before sunset.
Arafat's coffin arrives in Ramallah
The body of the Yasser Arafat has arrived in Ramallah – the compound where he spent two years blockaded in by the Israeli army. The Palestinian leader, whom Tony Blair described as having "symbolised the Palestinian national movement", is expected to be buried in a stone coffin inside his ruined compound before sunset.
16 October 2003
'Outrage' as Gaza bombing kills three US officials
The US Secretary of State has expressed his "outrage" following yesterday's attack on a diplomatic convoy in Gaza in which three US officials died. The men – reported to be a diplomat and two security guards – were killed, and another was injured, when a concealed bomb or landmine was detonated.
'Outrage' as Gaza bombing kills three US officials
The US Secretary of State has expressed his "outrage" following yesterday's attack on a diplomatic convoy in Gaza in which three US officials died. The men – reported to be a diplomat and two security guards – were killed, and another was injured, when a concealed bomb or landmine was detonated.
13 March 2014
PM Promotes Economic Growth
Prime Minister David Cameron is on his two day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories to focus on the opportunities that peace would bring.
PM Promotes Economic Growth
Prime Minister David Cameron is on his two day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories to focus on the opportunities that peace would bring.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
