The UN Human Rights Council will consider a draft resolution calling for an arms embargo on Israel, citing the “plausible risk of genocide in Gaza”, AFP reports.
If the draft resolution is adopted, it would mark the first time that the United Nations’ top rights body has taken a position on the fighting in Gaza.
The draft “condemns the use of explosive weapons with wide area effects by Israel in populated areas in Gaza” and voices grave concern at the effects of explosive weapons on hospitals, schools, water, electricity and shelter.
It also demands that Israel “uphold its legal responsibility to prevent genocide”.
The text was brought forward by Pakistan on behalf of 55 of the 56 UN member states in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — the exception being Albania. It calls upon countries to stop the sale or transfer of arms, munitions and other military equipment to Israel, citing “a plausible risk of genocide in Gaza”.
