Israeli envoy to Geneva: Pillay handled killings ‘insensitively’

Israel’s envoy to the UN in Geneva, Eviatar Manor, sends a letter to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay blasting her “unfortunate and insensitive” response to the deaths of the three Israeli youths in the West Bank.

Manor says that while Israel “appreciates” the strong condemnations issued by the international community, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the UN Security Council, UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), it notes with “profound disappointment” — but not surprise — the “unfortunate and insensitive manner in which the High Commissioner has chosen to handle this delicate and painful issue, one that has touched the hearts of an entire nation.”

Manor says that in “condensing” her condolence into three lines, Pillay chose to “abuse the opportunity by opting for a political balancing act” rather than respecting the victims and their families.

“The right to life is the most fundamental human right. Its denial, by terrorist groups, should be condemned in the clearest and most unequivocal manner. In this task, the High Commissioner for Human Rights has completely failed,” he says.