Hamas Massacre and its Aftermath
Below is a brief analysis of the statements published to date by UN officials and bodies concerning Hamas’s barbaric massacre against Israeli civilians which began on the morning of October 7, 2023 and its aftermath.
It is heartening that the most senior UN officials, including Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, and Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace Tor Wennesland issued strong and immediate condemnations of Hamas. Unfortunately, they give Hamas legitimacy by failing to label Hamas a terrorist organization. The High Commissioner referred to “Palestinian armed groups” and didn’t even mention Hamas. The Special Coordinator for Middle East Peace used the term “Hamas militants” instead of Hamas terrorists. In addition, it is regrettable that none of these initial statements talked about Hamas’s flagrant violations of international law or expressly affirmed Israel’s inherent right to self-defense. In a later statement, on October 9th, the Secretary-General mentioned “Israel’s legitimate security concerns,” but this was only in the context of criticizing the impact on civilians of Israel’s retaliatory strikes on Hamas in Gaza. In a situation like this, where a UN member state is invaded and its civilians barbarically attacked, we would expect UN officials to refer to the UN Charter and strongly uphold that attacked state’s right to self-defense. This is the type of language we saw in the statements by the Secretary General and High Commissioner on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
UN Security Council, October 8, 2023
On October 8, 2023, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. The U.S. demanded the 15-member body strongly condemn Hamas’s “heinous terrorist attacks.” While a number of Security Council members supported the U.S., a consensus could not be reached. Therefore, no action was taken and no official statement was released.
Rather than condemning Hamas for its crimes, Russia and China issued a general condemnation of all attacks on civilians and emphasized the need for a ceasefire.
Source: Associated Press
UN Watch Comment: It is disappointing that the UN Security Council, the world’s top body for maintaining international peace and security, was unable to reach a consensus on condemning Hamas’s brutal massacre of Israeli civilians on Saturday. All moral, law-abiding states should be able to agree that such a heinous act deserves to be condemned.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, October 7, 2023
Full statement
The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms this morning’s attack by Hamas against Israeli towns near the Gaza Strip and central Israel, including the firing of thousands of rockets toward Israeli population centers. The attacks have so far claimed numerous Israeli civilian lives and injured many hundreds. The Secretary-General is appalled by reports that civilians have been attacked and abducted from their own homes. The Secretary-General is deeply concerned for the civilian population and urges maximum restraint. Civilians must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law at all times. The Secretary-General extends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and calls for the immediate release of all abducted persons. The Secretary-General urges all diplomatic efforts to avoid a wider conflagration. He stresses that violence cannot provide a solution to the conflict, and that only through negotiation leading to a two-state solution can peace be achieved.
Source: Spokesperson for the Secretary-General
UN Watch Comment: Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a strong and immediate condemnation of the events. However, it did not mention Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, October 9, 2023
Excerpts condemning Hamas Assault
Let me begin by repeating my utter condemnation of the abhorrent attacks by Hamas and others against Israeli towns and villages in the Gaza periphery, which have left over 800 Israelis dead and more than 2,500 injured.
I recognize the legitimate grievances of the Palestinian people. But nothing can justify these acts of terror and the killing, maiming and abduction of civilians. I reiterate my call to immediately cease these attacks and release all hostages.
Excerpts criticizing Israeli Response
I am deeply alarmed by reports of over 500 Palestinians - including women and children - killed in Gaza and over 3,000 injured.
While I recognize Israel’s legitimate security concerns, I also remind Israel that military operations must be conducted in strict accordance with international humanitarian law.
I am deeply distressed by today’s announcement that Israel will initiate a complete siege of the Gaza Strip, nothing allowed in - no electricity, food, or fuel.
This most recent violence does not come in a vacuum. The reality is that it grows out of a long-standing conflict, with a 56-year long occupation and no political end in sight.
Source: UN Press Release
UN Watch Comment: Secretary-General Guterres’s condemnation of Hamas was strong, but the statement was not strong enough on defending Israel’s inherent right to self-defense. It “recognized Israel’s legitimate security concerns” only in the context of criticizing Israel’s harsh response, implying that it may not be compliant with international law. Outrageously, the Secretary-General’s comments about the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure were directed only at Israel in the context of its response, and not at Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad which have been pounding Israeli cities with thousands of indiscriminate rockets-a war crime. The statement also fails to mention Hamas’s use of civilians and civilian infrastructure as human shields, which is also a war crime.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, October 7, 2023
I am shocked and appalled at reports this morning that hundreds, possibly thousands, of indiscriminate rockets have been fired by Palestinian armed groups towards Israel, and that at least 22 Israelis have been killed and hundreds injured. I am also deeply concerned at reports that Israeli civilians have been taken hostage.
This attack is having a horrific impact on Israeli civilians. Civilians must never be the target of attack. I note also that Israeli forces have responded with air strikes into the densely populated Gaza Strip, reportedly killing at least two people. I call on them to take all precautions to avoid civilian casualties there.
I call for an immediate stop to the violence, and appeal to all sides and key countries in the region to de-escalate to avoid further bloodshed.
Source: OHCHR
UN Watch Comment: High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk issued a strong and immediate condemnation of the events. However, the statement did not mention Hamas by name, but only referred to “Palestinian armed groups.” This is regrettable as we all know who carried out the attacks. It also did not mention Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, October 7, 2023
Full statement
I vehemently condemn this morning’s multi-front assault against Israeli towns and cities near the Gaza Strip, and barrage of rockets reaching across central Israel by Hamas militants.
These events have resulted in horrific scenes of violence and many Israeli fatalities and injuries, with many believed to be kidnapped inside the Strip. These are heinous attacks targeting civilians and must stop immediately.
I am deeply concerned for the well-being of all civilians. I am in close contact with all concerned to urge maximum restraint and call on all sides to protect civilians.
This is a dangerous precipice and I appeal to all to pull back from the brink.
Source: UNSCO
UN Watch Comment: Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland issued a strong and immediate condemnation of Hamas, but unfortunately referred to them as “militants” rather than terrorists, legitimizing them. It also did not mention Israel’s inherent right to self-defense.
Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese, October 7, 2023
Full Tweet Thread
1/3 As yet another spiral of death & destruction unfolds, I unequivocally condemn attacks on civilians. Whoever launches them (Pal armed groups or Isr occupation forces) commits crimes that must be accounted for. My heart goes out to all Israeli & Palestinian families affected.
2/3 Today’s violence must be put in context. Almost six decades of hostile military rule over an entire civilian population (incomprehensibly ignored by too many official statements & media outlets) are in themselves an aggression, and the recipe for more insecurity for all.
3/3 Pal, Isr & int’l human rights orgs have repeatedly warned states that security is only achievable by realizing equal rights of all to live in dignity & freedom, & peace can only be achieved through int’l legality. Law, not war, can prevent cyclical reproduction of injustice.
Source: @FrancesckAlbs Twitter
UN Watch Comment: The tweet thread generally condemns all “attacks on civilians” without mentioning Hamas or commenting on its horrific massacre of Israeli civilians. Instead, Francesca Albanese takes the opportunity to blame Israel, saying that the violence must be “put in context” of “almost six decades of hostile military rule…” There is no mention of Israel’s right to security and self-defense or of Hamas’s flagrant international law violations.
UNRWA, October 8, 2023
UNRWA did not release an official statement on the Hamas assault against Israeli civilians. However, after Israeli commenced the counterstrike, UNRWA issued a press release on the situation in Gaza. Below is an excerpt.
Civilians must be protected at all times, including during fighting. UNRWA supports calls to reach an immediate ceasefire and a halt to the violence everywhere.
Schools and other civilian infrastructure, including those sheltering displaced families, must never come under attack.
Source: UNRWA
UN Watch Comment: The statement concerns only the situation in Gaza. It does not mention Hamas or the fact that Hamas operates in close proximity to civilian structures, including UNRWA schools.
