Bedding with terrorists
While the strategy acknowledges that each situation may require tailored responses, the overarching principle is that terrorism should be combated without making concessions.
Daily TribuneWhile the strategy acknowledges that each situation may require tailored responses, the overarching principle is that terrorism should be combated without making concessions.
The United Nations should not let itself fall into the hands of the terrorist groups by opening up for them an exit from the impending ground assault of the Israeli forces.
The United Nations Security Council, on Wednesday next week, will vote on a Brazilian-drafted resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the conflict between Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip.
On the agenda, at the request of the United Arab Emirates and Russia, is the Gaza hospital blast that killed hundreds of people on Tuesday.
That will set the tone of the discussions, which is expected to bear heavily on Israel's operations in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour called for an immediate ceasefire, blaming Israel for the "massacre" at the hospital.
In response, Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued a statement accusing the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group of responsibility.
The Israeli Defense Forces identified the culprit as a failed rocket fired by the Islamic Jihad. "Some of these rocket launches failed and landed within Gaza, ultimately striking the Al Ahli Hospital," the IDF said.
The 15-member Security Council had been due to vote Monday on the Brazilian draft, but this was postponed for 24 hours to allow more negotiation time. The United States then pushed for a further delay as President Joe Biden visits Israel on Wednesday.
The delay provided Hamas militants the breathing room they needed to consolidate or run away from the advancing ground troops.
The UN is violating its own rules by accommodating pro-Hamas concessions.
Under the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, which is the manual that members follow in dealing with terror attacks, the emphasis on not making concessions to terrorists is significant.
The strategy recognizes that compromising with terrorists undermines the rule of law, human rights, and the overall fight against terrorism.
It encourages member states to adopt a unified approach that rejects negotiations with terrorists and instead focuses on prevention, law enforcement, and international cooperation.
The rules were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2006, and they served as a framework for member states to address the various dimensions of terrorism.
By addressing these root causes, states aim to reduce the appeal of terrorism and create conditions for long-term peace and stability.
While the strategy acknowledges that each situation may require a tailored response, the overarching principle is that terrorism should be combated without making concessions.
This reflects the widely held view within the international community that negotiating or giving in to the demands of terrorists can have detrimental consequences and may encourage further acts of terrorism.
Middle Eastern conflict experts described Israel's order for Gaza Strip residents to temporarily evacuate the war zone as necessary because of the extensive underground network the terrorist group had built over the years.
When Hamas came to power in Gaza in 2007 after a violent conflict between Palestinian factions, its first objective was to build a vast network of tunnels under Gaza City and many other communities.
The network consists of deep underground passages, bunkers, command centers, and weapons stockpiles, including rockets.
The underground facility has allowed Hamas militants to hide from surveillance and harass Israel with regular attacks.
Hamas has controlled the Palestinian enclaves in the Gaza Strip since its inhabitants are confined to a tight space with restricted access to the outside world under the constant threat of war.
A geopolitical expert said Hamas's rule of terror has created a traumatized society.
"The very young population dwells in a toxic environment poisoned by Hamas-fomented hate," he said.
From its founding in 1948, Israel has faced the hostility of its Arab neighbors, who have sought to eradicate the Jewish state and get rid of its people.
After Israel repelled several hostile attempts, the nation found itself in the crosshairs of numerous terrorist groups.
The Jewish State has had to rely on its capability to fend off attacks periodically. It built a superior defense and intelligence capability and used them without hesitation.
Hamas wanted Israel to use its strength against itself. By provoking the Israelis to descend on Gaza with the full power of their army and air force, the terrorists are betting on the conflict to result in thousands of civilian casualties and massive city destruction. The militants will hide in the tunnels, leaving Palestinian civilians behind and using them as cover.
The inutile UN would then be swayed by the lies and coercion of Hamas and the nations supporting it because it is too politically dense about the ultimate end of those seeking to replace the status quo with a new world order.
