Russian UN representative Vasily Nebenzya said on Wednesday night that Israel has no right to self-defense in its war against Hamas. He claimed this is because, in his view, Israel is an "occupying state."
In his speech during a special emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nebenzya said that Russia recognizes Israel's right to ensure its security but distinguishes this from the right to self-defense. He argued, "Israel, as an occupying power, does not have the right to self-defense, as confirmed by the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice in 2004." He further stated that this can be ensured only with a proper solution to the Palestinian issue, based on well-known United Nations Security Council resolutions.
He also claimed, "The Jewish people were persecuted for hundreds of years, and should know more than anyone else that the suffering of civilians and the deaths of innocent people in the name of a blind response and vengeance will not bring justice to the world, will not bring back the victims, and will not comfort their families. We do not deny Israel's right to fight terrorism – but fight against terrorists, not against civilians."