The U.N. General Assembly on Tuesday voted to condemn the use of civilians as human shields by terror groups as part of its update of its counter-terrorism strategy.
The resolution was specifically aimed as Hamas, which has used human shields during its conflicts with Israel. Hamas terrorists have hidden behind women and children in hospitals and schools while launching rocket attacks on Israel.
The resolution, which explicitly condemned terror groups for the double war crime of hiding behind women and children while attacking civilians, decries the use of “schools and hospitals, for military purposes such as launching attacks and storing weapons,” as well as the use of “civilians to shield military objectives from attacks.”
Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon praised the move, saying that the “decision is another important step in our activities to change the rules of the game at the U.N.”
“Less than two weeks ago, a plurality of members in the General Assembly voted to denounce Hamas, and now today’s resolution explicitly condemned terrorists for the despicable double war crime of hiding behind women and children while attacking civilians,” he said.
“There is much work to be done, but this milestone accomplishment brings us closer to the day when the U.N. will focus on truly bringing security and stability to the world,” said Danon.
World Jewish Congress president Ronald S. Lauder also praised the U.N.’s decision, moving it closer to bringing security and stability to the Middle East.
