The Goldstone report reflects the massive influence of NGOs, with more than 500 direct citations from highly politicized groups that lack credibility, many of which are funded by European governments.
The reliance on statements, publications, and submissions from these NGOs is inconsistent with the claim to have conducted a “fact finding mission.” By adopting the flawed methodologies and false claims from the NGOs, Goldstone renders his entire report and its conclusions invalid.
NGOs and Goldstone maintain a symbiotic relationship: The NGO network actively promoted the Goldstone inquiry, supported claims of a “balanced” mandate, and attacked Israel for not cooperating.
In turn, Goldstone bolstered NGO credibility by relying on their publications, ignoring biases and false claims, praising their “high professional standard,” and defending them against “repression” from the Israeli government.
Highlights of the detailed reports include:
Details on European government funded NGOs that shaped a major portion of the claims and allegations targeting Israeli in the Goldstone.
Goldstone and other members of the commission have close links to HRW, Amnesty International, PCHR, and other politicized NGOs. Staff researcher Sareta Ashraph has been involved with pro-Palestinian NGOs and “lawfare” campaigns.
The report adopts NGO misinterpretations of international law, including the claims that Gaza remains occupied and that Israel does not have a right to self-defense.
NGO statements that did not fit Palestinian narrative were distorted or ignored, in order to maximize the condemnations of Israel.
