In a recent session at the UN General Assembly, representatives from Israel and Palestine engaged in a heated exchange, trading accusations regarding the alleged scale of atrocities committed in the Gaza conflict. The US defended its veto of a Russian-proposed amendment to the Security Council on Gaza during this discussion. This meeting, held under a UN resolution requiring explanations for the use of vetoes, saw Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan and US Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood highlighting the challenges faced by Israelis held hostage by groups like Hamas in Gaza.
Erdan accused the UN of becoming a "tool of war" for Hamas and criticized its singular focus on Gaza, neglecting the Israeli hostages. US spokesperson Stephane Dujarric responded to these claims, stating that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is concerned about all civilians and has consistently called for the release of hostages.
Palestine's Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, where, according to health services, over 23,000 people have been killed. He questioned the contradiction of opposing atrocities while vetoing a call to end the war. Mansour dramatically held up a placard reading "Ceasefire Now," symbolizing a growing movement across the US, including at President Joe Biden's speeches.
Erdan took a symbolic approach, presenting a birthday cake for an Israeli baby, Kfir Bibas, abducted at nine months old during the 10/7 attack. He denounced Hamas's brutal treatment of children and accused them of using sexual violence as a weapon of war. Wood blamed Russia for the US veto, expressing concern about the situation on the ground and the neglect of over 100 hostages in Gaza.
Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva accused the US of blackmailing with its veto, resulting in "toothless" resolutions. Dujarric clarified a peaceful protest by rabbis and seminary students within the UN, urging an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
Despite the US vetoing Russia's previous amendment, a resolution calling for steps "to create conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities" passed with 13 votes in the 15-member Council, while the US and Russia abstained. The ongoing crisis, initiated by a surprise attack from Hamas on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement of Gaza's population. Hostilities were briefly paused in November to facilitate hostage release and allow relief supplies into Gaza.
(With Agency Inputs)
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