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Goldstone Report: It Looks Like Law, But It's Just Politics

[Jerusalem Post] Warren Goldstein - The UN, particularly through its Human Rights Council, uses the veneer of law and legal methodology to give credence and credibility to its anti-Israel agenda. The Goldstone Mission is a case in point. Careful analysis reveals that the legalities utilized are merely a cover for a political strategy of delegitimizing Israel. The Human Rights Council's Resolution establishing the Mission expressly states that it "[s]trongly condemns the ongoing Israeli military operation [in Gaza] which has resulted in massive violations of the human rights of the Palestinian people," and in so doing pre-judges the guilt of Israel. The Mission's findings were based on accepting the allegations of only one party to the conflict. The Mission did not try to cross-examine or challenge the witnesses in any real way. Jonathan Halevi of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs analyzes in detail the methodology employed by the Mission with respect to witnesses, demonstrating how unproven allegations by Hamas officials were accepted as established facts. The Goldstone Mission is a disgrace to the most basic notions of justice, equality and the rule of law, and it has harmed the prospects for peace in the Middle East. There can never be peace without justice and truth. The writer, who has a PhD in human rights law, is the chief rabbi of South Africa.
2009-10-15 06:00:00
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