GENEVA (voa) – The United Nations top human rights body has condemned Israel for what the international group calls “mass killings” of Palestinians.
The U.N. Human Rights Commission meeting in Geneva adopted a resolution Monday accusing Israel of gross violations of humanitarian law against Palestinians in the occupied territories.
The resolution was adopted by a vote of 40 to five, with seven countries abstaining. Among those opposing the resolution were Britain and Germany, while a number of European members voted in favor.
The resolution was backed mainly by Arab and Muslim countries.
The United States is not a member of the Commission.
The U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said he fully supports U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell’s efforts to end the violence and resume peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
Palestinian delegates at the United Nations in New York say they hope the Security Council will approve the idea. However, an Israeli spokesman is quoted as saying the force would not help to contribute to peace.
In recent months, U.S. officials have also opposed the idea of an international force in the Palestinian territories. The United States has veto power on the top U.N. body.
