The tenth day of the 35th session of the Human Rights Council took place on June 19, 2017 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. The council started with an Interactive Dialogue on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories with the Special Rapporteur Mr. S. Michael Lynk, Followed by a General Debate on the Human Rights Situation in Palestine and other Occupied Arab Territories. This report coincides with the 50th year of Israel's occupation.

Regarding the Situation in Palestine and other Occupied Territories, the rapporteur expressed his concerns about Israeli illegal settlement enterprise that had moved at an alarming pace, with the construction of new houses, with a high rate of demolitions of Palestinian homes including in East Jerusalem.

The high commissioner for human rights reiterated to all actors in this conflict that civilians have not to be targeted. Israel has to apply norms of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. This entails applying the principles of distinction between civilian and military objectives; the principle of  proportionality; and finally the principle  of precautions in attack. The High Commissioner  urged Israel to respect the right to life of all Palestinians. He condemned the unlawful occupation and called for immediate accountability.

Unsurprisingly, Israel was not present in the room to take the floor, as well as most of the major EU powers and the USA. This boycott is deeply disappointing as members of the Human Rights Council must comply to their responsibilities. These countries are as guilty of violations as is Israel . Their silence and inaction contributes to the death of thousands of innocent Palestinian lives.

The State of Palestine expressed deep concern about the continuous Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, even though it was a full member of the United Nations and party to instruments of international law. Israel continues to violate international law and to occupy all facets of Palestinian life. The decade-old blockade of Gaza is a collective punishment for all citizens, and violates the right to life, health, movement and expression.  If it continues, it would be catastrophic and unsustainable by 2020. 

During the debate, many delegations condemned the excessive violations of human rights by Israel such as Malaysia expressing its concerned to the UN that has a permanent responsibility towards the Palestine Question. This Council, being a principal human rights organ of the UN, therefore must fulfill that responsibility too.

Item 7 in the Council's agenda remains crucial and integral to everyone's responsibility. The Council’s continued attention to this agenda item is therefore key and indispensable to its mandate of promoting human rights and justice. 

Bahrain on behalf of the GCC countries also took the floor defending Palestine and condemning the acts of Israel, showing its hypocrisy and fake attitude as human rights promoter.