Debate on "Protection of civilians in armed conflict"

Thank you, Mr. President. 

This year marks the tenth anniversary since the adoption of resolution 1265 regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict. Since then, there has been considerable progress in addressing this vital issue.

Israel welcomes the latest joint DPKO-OCHA study, particular the case studies regarding UN Missions in Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Darfur, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

As we move forward, clarity of mandate, accurately understanding the threat to civilians, and providing genuine guidance and planning will allow this Council and the forces it deploys to serve in an even more effective capacity.

Mr. President,

Beyond the study before us, many unresolved issues regarding the protection of civilians in armed conflict remain.

Asymmetric warfare –– a new, complex phenomenon the international community has yet to effectively address –– takes a heavy toll on civilians of both sides of any armed conflict.

Therefore, today’s debate must not ignore the reality of terrorism. It is a reality in which terrorists intentionally draw civilians into armed conflict. It is a reality in which terrorists use civilians as shields while they store weapons in, and launch attacks from densely populated areas; from schools, mosques, and civilian structures and homes. It is a reality in which terrorists build military infrastructure in civilian villages as they harass and threaten UN Peacekeeping forces.

It is a reality in which only one week ago, the terrorist Hamas entity that rules the Gaza Strip fired a rocket with a 60 kilometer range, thus threatening Israel’s major population centers. It is a reality in which Iran –– the region’s greatest sponsor of terrorism –– stands in manifest violation of this Council’s resolutions. Only last week, the vessel Francop was found to be illegally carrying hundreds of tons of Iranian weapons likely to be used against Israeli civilians.

In light of this threatening reality, Israel –– as a democratic state and in full conformity with its international obligations –– seeks to protect civilians while it pursues terrorists who hide amongst them.

Mr. President,

During Operation Cast Lead, while Hamas intentionally launched attacks at civilians from within civilian areas, Israel’s response took extraordinary measures to protect all civilians. This included placing more than 165,000 phone calls to warn civilians of pending attacks so that they could find refuge elsewhere. This included dropping nearly 2,500,000 leaflets asking civilians to avoid particular areas and buildings that were used by Hamas terrorists.

Mr. President,

These actions reflect only part of Israel’s extensive efforts to protect civilians in armed conflict. These, among other measures, are discussed in great detail in this publication by the Israeli government. This report –– published some months ago –– addresses the difficult realities faced by Israel during Operation Cast Lead.

It describes in a comprehensive manner the context of the operation, Hamas’ actions and the IDF’s response, as well as subsequent investigations into the operation. As this report shows, given the complex environment of urban warfare, Israel’s actions during Operation Cast Lead reflected an army committed to the principle of the protection of civilians.

Colonel Richard Kemp, the former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, and a recognized expert in the field of warfare in conditions similar to that in Gaza, stated unequivocally that the IDF did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in a combat zone than any other army in the history of warfare.

Mr. President,

As today’s debate discusses the protection of civilians in armed conflict, the international community must be aware of the grave realities of modern warfare, namely terrorism. Terrorism turns civilians in armed conflict into targets, shields and weapons. We must not let terrorism turn civilians into victims.

Thank you, Mr. President.