Israel has accused a United Nations committee of recognizing a Palestinian non-governmental organization (NGO) that it says is linked to Hamas, the terrorist group that governs Gaza.
The committee on NGOs voted 12-3 to approve the British-based Palestinian Return Center's request for accreditation.
Israel, Uruguay and the United States voted no while the yes votes include Iran, Sudan, and Venezuela. India, Russia and Greece abstained.
The Palestinian Return Center says its mission includes working for a Mideast settlement that guarantees the Palestinians their rights, and publicizing across Europe what it says is the suffering of the Palestinian people.
But Israel accuses the group of promoting terrorism and being the European coordinating wing for Hamas. It said the group's members are senior Hamas officials.
Israel's ambassador to the U.N. bitterly said the U.N. has given Hamas a "welcoming celebration."
"According to this script, one day we may find Hezbollah sitting at the Security Council and ISIS (Islamic State) voting at the Human Rights Council. This is the peak season for the U.N's Theater of the Absurd."
No one at the U.N. has responded yet to the ambassador's comments.
