Israeli army set to enter UN blacklist for harming children in conflict zones

TDT | agencies

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Israeli army is to be included on an upcoming United Nations list of countries and armed forces that fail to protect children during war. Reportedly, Hamas and Islamic Jihad will also be included in the upcoming list.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed the Israeli army’s attache in Washington Maj. General Hedi Silberman of the decision, Israel National News reported yesterday.

Despite Israel’s efforts to persuade Guterres to reconsider, the decision stands, with Israel slated to appear on the blacklist set to be published next week.

“I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision,” UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan said in a statement.

The annual “Children and Armed Conflict” report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has not yet been published, but Erdan was responding after receiving notification of Israel’s inclusion on the list of countries that do not take adequate measures to shield children from conflict.

Guterres’ report is expected to be published by the end of June.

The report highlights human rights violations against children in around 20 conflict zones.

Last year, Russia’s military and armed entities linked to Russia were included on the list.