UNSC Support
The United States expressed disappointment on Sunday as the United Nations Security Council failed to unanimously condemn the Hamas attack on Israel. Instead, Russia urged a broader view of the situation, refraining from denouncing the powerful blow by the Palestinian resistance group.
Vassily Nebenzia, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized the need to immediately stop the fighting, implement a ceasefire, and engage in meaningful negotiations, as previously urged by the Security Council.
While many members of the UN Security Council denounced Hamas for its extensive assault on Israel, the United States lamented the absence of unanimity.
During the closed-door emergency session, there was a call for unanimous condemnation of the Hamas attack, which was launched in response to ongoing Israeli brutality and a severe blockade of the Gaza Strip.
However, there was no consideration of a joint statement, let alone a binding resolution, as some members, led by Russia, advocated for a broader focus than merely condemning Hamas.
Ambassador Zhang Jun expressed his concern, stating, “It’s abnormal that the Security Council doesn’t say anything.”
During the session, Israel’s ambassador, Gilad Erdan, displayed graphic images of Israeli civilians taken captive by Hamas but failed to acknowledge the years of brutality inflicted by his own country on innocent Palestinians. He called for condemnation of what he described as an “unimaginable atrocity.”
The Palestinian ambassador, representing the West Bank-centered Palestinian Authority (not rival Hamas), urged the Security Council to focus on ending Israeli occupation.
He criticized the media and politicians for their focus on events when Israelis killed and emphasized the need for Israel to change its course toward a path to peace where neither Palestinians nor Israelis lose their lives.
Overall, UNSC Support for Action on Hamas Eludes US and Israel; Russia Promotes Wider Perspective.
