Right of Reply ­ question of Palestine 12/11/2015

Every year this committee holds this absurd session in which we witness a march of folly of the worst human rights abusers taking the floor, and demonstrating not only their hypocrisy but often their superficial knowledge of this subject.

At the outset let me comment about the presentation of the report. Not only were this committee's findings effectively decided before it even started its work, a simple google search of some of the alleged facts will show just how distorted this report is compared to the reality on the ground. The result is yet another misleading UN report that presents half-truths, manipulates reality and takes it out of context. The only contribution of this report is a destructive one.

Mr. Chair,

Over the past two days, baseless accusations and lies have been continuously repeated in this room. Before concluding this debate, allow me to set the record straight.

Lebanon

I am glad to see that the representative of Lebanon has shown such an interest in Palestinian rights. However, before speaking about Israel in these halls, might I suggest that he take a look at the refugee camps throughout Lebanon, where Palestinians are kept in some of the worst conditions in the region. They are subjected to continual violence, extreme discrimination, as well as economic and social oppression. As for his accusations regarding the government of Israel's policies- well, maybe the chamber should be reminded that Hezbollah, an internationally designated terrorist group is part of the Lebanese governmenthalf of the cabinet in fact.

Palestinian Authority The long statement by my Palestinian colleague fails to answer one important question ­ why is the Palestinian Authority refusing to return to the negotiation table? Why are they refusing direct negotiations?

Israel remains committed to the two state solution and has repeatedly invited the Palestinian president to resume peace talks.

However, the Palestinian Authority not only avoids answering this question, but also continues to make outrageous accusations against Israel. For example, last week in an official letter to the Security Council, the Palestinians accused Israel of organ harvesting. This obscene accusation derives directly from the blood liables of the 19th century.

The PA avoids taking any responsibility over its own people by refusing to return to Gaza, the Pa avoids taking any responsibility over the current wave of terror by only further inciting and the PA is avoiding taking any responsibility over its people's future by failing to return to direct negotiations.

Syria

It never ceases to amaze me how a representative of a brutal regime with zero international credibility believes it has any right to lecture others in this hall. The ongoing attempts by the Syrian representative to divert the conversation and to blame everyone other than themselves for the devastating humanitarian situation in Syria are tiring. Let us not forget that when this delegate takes the floor it is on

behalf of a regime that has systematically been using chlorine and other substances to murder its own citizens.

Other Countries

As for the other champions of human rights and global justice who took the floor over the past few days: Venezuela, Cuba , Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Iran- well, I can only wish for your own constituency back home to enjoy the same rights such as freedom of speech or assembly that you are enjoying here at the UN.

Allow me to conclude by saying that it is important that those who seek to play a positive and constructive role in this conflict, and not just as lip service, will focus their efforts on supporting the resumption of the direct negotiations between us and the Palestinians and not by making empty statements in this committee.