Israel has called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to dissolve a commission investigating alleged human rights violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing systemic bias. In a letter seen by Reuters, Israeli Ambassador Daniel Meron accused the Independent International Commission of Inquiry of discriminating against Israel, stating it exemplifies “institutional discrimination” within the Council.
The commission, formed in May 2021 during a previous conflict between Israel and Hamas, has regularly drawn criticism from Israel for its findings. Most recently, it condemned Israeli military actions following Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023 attacks, asserting in a March report that Israel committed “genocidal acts” in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report as biased and antisemitic.
The commission’s role includes collecting evidence that may be used in international legal proceedings, such as by the International Criminal Court. Israel, which disengaged from the Human Rights Council in February 2025, has long objected to the Council’s perceived anti-Israel stance.
Council spokesperson Pascal Sim confirmed that while Council President Jurg Lauber received the letter, only the Council’s 47 member states have the authority to dismantle the commission.
Tensions have escalated since Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas attacks, with ongoing international scrutiny. Israel maintains that the inquiry overlooks Hamas’ actions and unfairly targets its military operations. Meanwhile, the U.N. commission continues its mandate, deepening a rift between Israel and international human rights bodies.
The dispute underscores growing global divisions over accountability and impartiality in investigating the Israel-Palestine conflict. As diplomatic pressure mounts, the fate of the inquiry remains uncertain.