Unesco panel blasts Israeli actions in Jerusalem

TEL AVIV: A commission of Unesco’s executive board passed a resolution on Tuesday critical of Israel’s actions in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, after an extended offensive effort by Israel targeting the UN cultural body. The resolution, which declared Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalem “null and void,” passed with 22 countries voting in favour, a Unesco spokesman said on Tuesday. The US, Germany and Italy were joined by seven other members in voting against the resolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the UN body earlier on Tuesday, saying that it tried to deny the “historical truth” that no one else considers Jerusalem as holy as the Jewish people. — DPA