UN Upholds Accreditation for Group Said Linked to Hamas

The United Nations approved UN accreditation for the London-based Palestinian Return Center. The vote was a defeat for Israel, which claims the organization is affiliated with Hamas and 'openly promotes terrorism...'

In June, the UN committee that accredits non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, recommended that the center's application be approved.

But Israel circulated a resolution, co-sponsored by the United States, Australia and Canada, to the committee's parent body, the 54-member Economic and Social Council, opposing the application.

In Monday's vote, 13 countries supported Israel's resolution, 16 were opposed and 18 abstained, which meant the resolution was defeated and the application was approved...

Following the decision, Israel's UN ambassador Ron Prosor castigated what he called 'the height of the theater of the absurd' at the United Nations.

'Until today, the UN has given Hamas discounts, thereby helping it strengthen its activities,' Prosor said. 'Now, the UN has gone one step further, giving Hamas a grand welcoming at its main gates, allowing it to be a full participant.'

Consultative status grants PRC leaders access to UN facilities worldwide and the ability to participate in various events and debates..."