The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting to address the recent Hamas attack, with the United States pushing for strong condemnation. Here’s a closer look at what transpired during the meeting and the positions of key council members.
U.S. Calls for Condemnation of Hamas
During the closed-door meeting, U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood called on all 15 council members to strongly condemn the “heinous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas.” However, no immediate action was taken.
Diverging Views on Condemnation
While many countries at the meeting did condemn the Hamas attack, not all council members were in agreement. Russia’s U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, clarified that Russia does condemn all attacks on civilians. He emphasized the importance of an immediate cease-fire and meaningful negotiations to resolve the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
China’s Stance
Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jun echoed similar sentiments, condemning attacks on civilians and emphasizing the need to prevent further escalation of the situation. Zhang stressed the importance of returning to the two-state solution.
U.S. Focus on Condemning Hamas
Ambassador Wood reiterated the U.S. focus on condemning Hamas for the unprovoked invasion and terrorist attacks. He emphasized that Hamas must end its violent activities against the Israeli people and deal with the ongoing hostage situation and violence.
Priorities for the Security Council
While there is a call for condemnation, the question of whether the Security Council will adopt a statement remains uncertain. Differences over condemning Hamas, civilian deaths, and language regarding ending violence and resuming negotiations need to be resolved.
Malta’s U.N. ambassador, Vanessa Frazier, emphasized the need for any condemnation to primarily target Hamas. She pointed out that Palestinian civilians are also victims and that Hamas had put them in a difficult position.
Briefing by U.N. Mideast Envoy
During the meeting, council members received a virtual briefing from U.N. Mideast envoy Tor Wennesland. Wennesland described the situation as precarious and highlighted the fear experienced by people on both sides of the conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the Security Council continues to grapple with finding a unified stance on condemning the Hamas attack and addressing the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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