Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United Nations has stated concerns about the danger to civilians posed by combat unmanned aerial vehicles in Gaza Strip, Pakistan and Yemen.

The Security Council was told that the Israel Air Force has acquired and deployed armed UAVs for operations against the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

UN human rights chief Navi Pillay said Israel has not acknowledged the use of the combat UAVs.

“I urge relevant states to clarify the legal basis for such strikes as well as the safeguards in place to ensure compliance with applicable international law,” Ms. Pillay said on Aug. 19.

The briefing to the council said the UAVs were endangering civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Ms. Pillay also cited the use of combat UAVs by the United States in such Muslim countries as Pakistan and Yemen.

“The current lack of transparency surrounding their use creates an accountability vacuum and affects the ability of victims to seek redress,” Ms. Pillay said.

Palestinians have long reported the Israeli use of armed UAVs in the
counter-insurgency campaign in the Gaza Strip. One UAV platform was
identified as the Hermes-450 UAV, produced by Israel’s Elbit Systems and
sold to NATO militaries.

Earlier this month, an Al Qaida-aligned militia said Israel killed five
members of a rocket squad in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula near the border of the
Jewish state. Israel has refused to confirm the claim.

“[Ms. Pillary is] seriously concerned about human rights implications
for the protection of civilians of armed drone strikes carried out in the
context of counter-terrorism and military operations including in Pakistan,
Yemen and Gaza,” council statement said.

  Elbit Systems, Hermes-450, Navi Pillay, Sinai Peninsula, U.S., UN cites ‘accountability vacuum’ in use of combat drones by Israel, UN inquires into ‘legal basis’ for Israeli drone strikes in Gaza