A United Nations commission of inquiry is set to present a report on Tuesday that accuses Israel of genocide. This report comes just days before all three members of the commission are scheduled to resign. Instead of appointing new members, some argue that the UN should dissolve the commission, which they claim is biased in favor of Hamas and redundant given existing UN mechanisms. Critics describe the commission as a symbol of moral and financial waste, especially during a time of significant budget cuts at the UN.

The commission was established by Arab and Islamic states following the May 2021 conflict between Hamas and Israel. Its mandate focuses on investigating the “root causes” of the conflict, including allegations of systemic discrimination by Israel. Unlike typical inquiries that last one year, this investigation has no end date, leading some to compare it to historical injustices like the Spanish Inquisition.

Navi Pillay, the commission's chair, has faced scrutiny for her previous statements advocating for sanctions against Israel. Another commissioner, Miloon Kothari, has been criticized for questioning Israel's right to UN membership and making controversial remarks about a so-called "Jewish lobby." The third member, Chris Sidoti, has downplayed the seriousness of antisemitism. Despite international condemnation of Kothari's comments, Pillay supported him, allowing him to remain on the commission.

The commission operates with an annual budget exceeding $4 million and employs 18 staff members. It has consistently produced reports accusing Israel of war crimes and has engaged with the International Criminal Court in The Hague. As the current members prepare to step down, the UN plans to appoint their replacements without public input or transparency.

Critics argue that the inquiry is unnecessary, especially given the UN's lack of mandates to investigate human rights violations in countries like China, Cuba, and Turkey. The UN has long had various mechanisms targeting Israel, including the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices, which has been producing reports since 1968. This committee, along with others focused on Palestinian rights, has been active for decades, raising questions about the need for additional inquiries.

The UN's financial constraints have led to significant cuts in staff and resources, with some investigations into human rights abuses in countries like Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of the Congo being canceled. Meanwhile, the commission targeting Israel continues to receive substantial funding.

The resignation of the commission members has prompted calls for a reevaluation of the UN's approach to Israel. The new U.S. ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, is expected to advocate for a shift in how the UN addresses perceived biases and inefficiencies in its operations. The future of the commission remains uncertain as discussions about its relevance and impact continue.