World Jewish Congress has welcomed the US Senate’s passing of a bipartisan STOP Using Human Shields Act sanctioning those who use civilians as human shields.
WJC president Ronald S. Lauder described the move as a step forward in the war on terror.
Lauder believes it sends out a strong message to terrorist groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah.
“Their use of innocent civilians to promote their callous acts of violence will not be rewarded,” he said. “Every terror group that cowardly hides behind women and children while using hospitals and schools as bases to attack civilians, in clear violation of both international law and basic moral values, should be held accountable and punished.”
Lauder has called on the US House of Representatives and other nations to follow suit as it would help bring security and stability to the Middle East and wider world.
Rabbi Joel H. Meyers, WJC US Chair, has backed the unanimous decision.
“Terrorist groups who blatantly violate international law and use human shields in order to achieve military ends will be held accountable for their evil activities,” he said.
“Placing weapons, arsenals and other terrorist infrastructure among civilian populations is reprehensible and demonstrates complete disregard for innocent human life and should not be tolerated by the international community.”
“This important measure will provide the government tools with which to censure groups that carry out this unlawful activity.”