Opposing Any Endorsement Or Further Consideration Of Report Of The United Nations Fact Finding Mission On The Gaza Conflict

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 867, a bipartisan resolution which calls upon the President and the Secretary of State to oppose the endorsement and further consideration of the ``Report of the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict'' in multilateral fora.

The report, commissioned by the United Nations Human Rights Council, called for an investigation into war crimes and possible crimes against humanity by Israel during 22 days of fighting in Gaza and southern Israel in December 2008 and January 2009.

As a result, the fact-finding mission released an unbalanced 575-page report which unfairly focuses on Israel's conduct despite efforts by the report's chief author, Justice Richard Goldstone, to broaden the mandate to include violations committed by Hamas and other militant groups.

In spite of its inaccuracies, the United Nations Human Rights Council endorsed the report and its recommendations and referred it to the United Nations Security Council, United Nations General Assembly and the International Criminal Court for further action.

A report that is not inclusive of all the facts and circumstances surrounding the conflict is an inconclusive report. It is unacceptable to consider a report which fails to provide a complete and accurate account of the Gaza conflict. To do otherwise undermines the inquiry process and denies the truth.

I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 867.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source