Fact Check: The United Nations has labeled Israel an 'apartheid' state.

Fact Check: "The United Nations has labeled Israel an 'apartheid' state."

What We Know

The claim that the United Nations has labeled Israel an "apartheid" state is supported by various reports and statements from UN bodies. A significant report by the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, explicitly describes Israel's actions as constituting a regime of "settler-colonial apartheid" and highlights the systemic discrimination faced by Palestinians in the occupied territories (source-3).

Additionally, a report from Human Rights Watch in July 2024 stated that Israel's policies towards Palestinians in the occupied territories amounted to apartheid, marking a significant acknowledgment from a prominent human rights organization (source-8). The UN Special Committee on Israeli Practices has also warned against the apartheid system in its reports (source-4).

Analysis

The sources supporting the claim are credible and come from recognized institutions. The UN's Special Rapporteur's report is an official document that reflects the UN's stance on human rights issues, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The language used in the report, which includes terms like "apartheid" and "genocide," suggests a serious condemnation of Israel's policies and actions in the occupied territories (source-3).

However, it is essential to consider the context and potential biases of the sources. The UN and its agencies often face criticism from various political factions, particularly regarding their positions on Israel. Some argue that the term "apartheid" is politically charged and may not fully encapsulate the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict (source-5). Nonetheless, the reports from Human Rights Watch and the UN Special Committee are based on extensive research and testimonies, lending them significant weight in the discourse on human rights in the region.

Conclusion

The claim that the United Nations has labeled Israel an "apartheid" state is True. This conclusion is supported by multiple credible reports from UN officials and human rights organizations that explicitly use the term "apartheid" to describe Israel's policies and practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. While there are criticisms and alternative viewpoints regarding the use of this terminology, the evidence from authoritative sources substantiates the claim.

Sources

1. Fact Check: UN court’s opinion misrepresented as deeming Israel an illegal nation
2. Israeli apartheid
3. From economy of occupation to economy of genocide
4. UN Special Committee on Israeli practices in occupied territories warns of apartheid
5. The Blogs: Free Israel from the false label of apartheid
6. Amid States' Negligence, Activists Working to Ensure Human Rights
7. Forever-Occupation, genocide, and profit: Special Rapporteur’s report exposes apartheid
8. World Court Finds Israel Responsible for Apartheid