Israel Withdraws from UN Human Rights Council Following US Lead

Israel announced on Wednesday its withdrawal from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), aligning with the United States’ recent decision to exit the body, Anadolu Agency reported. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar expressed support for President Donald Trump’s move, stating, “Israel joins the United States and will not participate in the UNHRC.”

Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday, formalizing the US withdrawal from the council and halting any further funding to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). This funding freeze follows former President Joe Biden’s decision in January 2024 to stop financial support after Israel accused 12 UNRWA employees of involvement in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which escalated into the Gaza war.

Prior to the withdrawals, the Geneva-based UNHRC comprised 47 member states, with representation from five regional groups. The developments mark a significant shift in the diplomatic landscape concerning human rights discussions related to Israel and Palestine.