UN body condemns Israeli military action

Geneva: The UN's top human rights body passed a resolution on Thursday condemning Israeli military action in Gaza and the West Bank.

The resolution, which also demands the lifting of the blockade on Gaza and calls for international action to protect Palestinian civilians, was proposed by Arab and Muslim countries and passed by 30 votes in favour, with 15 abstentions, during an emergency session of the 47-member UN Human Rights Council.

The Palestinian representative in Geneva said the resolution was intended to highlight abuses committed by Israel.