A UN agency report published on Wednesday accused Israel of establishing an "apartheid regime" targeting Palestinians, prompting outrage from Washington and its closest ally in the region. When asked about the report, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Economic Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) - an agency comprised of 18 Arab states - published the report without consulting the secretariat. Meanwhile, State Secretary Rex Tillerson told rights group that in a letter that the United States has considered quitting the UN Human Rights Council unless it undergoes "considerable reform." In the letter, the former Exxon executive said Washington would continue with its "strong, principled objection to the Human Right's Council's biased agenda item against Israel." "While it may be the only such organization devoted to human rights, the Human Rights Council requires considerable reform in order for us to continue to participate," Tillerson said.

Source: Egypt Independent March 16, 2017 14:37 UTC