UNITED STATES: The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, addressing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. The United States urged all 15 members to strongly condemn the “heinous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas,” though no immediate action was taken.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood revealed that while a significant number of countries did condemn the Hamas attacks, not all council members voiced their condemnation. He alluded to the fact that one nation refrained from doing so.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, countered assertions that Russia failed to condemn the attacks, emphasizing, “We condemn all the attacks on civilians.” Nebenzia underscored the urgent need to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful negotiations, a process that has stalled for decades.
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the condemnation of all attacks on civilians and urging a return to the two-state solution. Ambassador Jun emphasized the paramount importance of preventing further escalation and civilian casualties.
Wood, highlighting U.S. priorities, emphasized the condemnation of Hamas for their “unprovoked invasion and terrorist attacks.” He pressed for an end to the group’s violent activities against Israeli citizens, stating that discussions on a two-state solution could follow once immediate issues were addressed.
The Security Council, tasked with maintaining global peace and security, aims to articulate its stance in the coming days. The challenge lies in reconciling differences over condemning Hamas, addressing civilian casualties, and formulating language to halt violence and resume negotiations.
Malta’s U.N. Ambassador, Vanessa Frazier, emphasized that any condemnation must predominantly target Hamas, recognizing the plight of Palestinian civilians placed in harm’s way by the group.
UN Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland briefed council members virtually, painting a grim picture of the situation as “precarious” and “awful,” with fear gripping both sides.
Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates stressed the collective need for calm and de-escalation, prioritizing the protection of civilians on both sides.
Wood emphasized the fluid and perilous nature of the situation, emphasizing the Biden administration’s concerted efforts to prevent further conflict.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan accused Hamas of perpetrating “blatant, documented war crimes,” recounting horrifying details of attacks on civilians. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called for an immediate end to the violence, condemning the blockade of Gaza and advocating for a new political approach.
In this critical juncture, the international community anxiously awaits decisive action from the Security Council to quell the escalating crisis and pave the way for lasting peace.
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