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<p>The UK abstained on the UN Human Rights Council resolution calling for a Commission
of Inquiry on the basis that the substance of a resolution must be impartial and balanced.
We could not support an international investigation that refused to explicitly call
for an investigation into the action of non-state actors such as Hamas. It is clear
that Hamas hold significant responsibility for encouraging violent protest in Gaza,
which is totally unacceptable. However, our vote does not mean that we will hold back
from voicing or raising concern about Israel’s actions when warranted. The UN and
its member states have every right to address these grave matters in a measured, balanced
and proportionate way. In future, the UK will continue to support scrutiny of Israel
and the Occupied Palestinian Territories in the Human Rights Council, so long as this
scrutiny is justified and proportionate. We have repeatedly made clear to Israel our
longstanding concerns about the manner in which the Israel Defense Forces police non-violent
protests and the border areas, including the use of live ammunition. We call on Israel
to adhere to the principles of necessity and proportionality when defending its legitimate
security interest.</p>
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