UN Seeks Expulsion of Israel Amid Growing Civil Society Movement

A growing civil society movement worldwide is pushing for the expulsion of Israel from the United Nations, citing its alleged apartheid regime in occupied Palestinian territory and ongoing war crimes in Gaza.

The campaign to remove Israel from the UN has gained momentum since several high-profile Israeli laws were passed that target Palestinian refugees. This move is seen as a major step towards revoking Israel's membership in the organisation, a goal shared by many within the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.

Recently, Israel banned operations of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides essential services to Palestinian refugees. This move has sparked outrage among human rights activists and Palestinian supporters worldwide.

According to experts, the banning of UNRWA is a key part of an Israeli strategy aimed at erasing the right of return for Palestinians who were uprooted from their homeland in 1948 during Israel's creation. The agency plays a vital role in maintaining the registration log of Palestinian refugees and their descendants, which serves as international proof of refugee status.

The International Court of Justice has previously found Israel guilty of apartheid and racial discrimination in occupied Palestinian territory, providing further evidence to support calls for its removal from the UN.

Supporting the campaign is Naser Sharaya'a, spokesperson for the Popular Services Committees in West Bank's refugee camps, who described the ban on UNRWA as part of an Israeli strategy "undermining the right of return" for Palestinians.

As the movement gains momentum, some analysts believe that Israel could respond with increased backlash against Palestinian aid agencies and humanitarian workers. However, a growing number of countries are pushing back against Israel's actions.

One proposed solution to counter Israeli actions is for the UN General Assembly to designate Israel as an apartheid state, a designation that has sparked intense debate in international forums. This move would require significant support from other nations but could help isolate Israel further and pave the way for its removal from the organisation.

Critics of US positions on the issue say it's time for action against Israeli aggression while acknowledging the challenges posed by internal power dynamics at the UN.

While gaining traction, efforts to achieve suspension may not be feasible.