Members of the UN Security Council condemn Hamas, but without unanimity
Several members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Sunday condemned Hamas for its massive attack on Israel, and the United States regretted the lack of unanimity.
In an emergency meeting, the United States and Israel called for a strong condemnation of the Palestinian Islamists who rule the blockaded Gaza Strip and launched a surprise attack on Saturday that killed more than 1,000 people.
Diplomats said the Security Council was not considering issuing a joint statement, let alone a binding resolution, while Russia-led members hoped for a broader approach than condemning Hamas.
“My message was to immediately end the fighting and reach a ceasefire and meaningful negotiations, as has been said for decades,” said Russia’s ambassador to the U.N. Security Council, Vasily Nebenzia.
China, Russia’s usual ally on the council, said it would support a joint statement. “It is not normal for the Security Council to say nothing,” said Ambassador Zhang Jun, who previously pledged China’s support in condemning “all attacks against civilians.”
At the start of the session, Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan showed graphic photos of Israeli civilians captured by Hamas.
“These are war crimes, obvious and documented war crimes,” Erdan said.
The Palestinian ambassador, a representative of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, called on the Security Council to focus on ending the Israeli occupation.
“Unfortunately for some media and politicians, the story begins when Israelis are killed,” envoy Riyad Mansour said.
“This is not the time to allow Israel to double down on its terrible decisions. “It is time to tell Israel that it must change course, that there is a path to peace that does not involve killing Palestinians or Israelis.”