Thank you, Madam President.
Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the United States, addressed the UN Security Council regarding the situation in the Middle East. Her response focused on three key points.
She reiterated the U.S. position on humanitarian aid to Gaza: "Nobody wants to see Palestinian civilians in Gaza go hungry or thirsty and that we are working tirelessly to resolve this crisis."
Addressing a report from the Commission of Inquiry about alleged sexual violence by the IDF, Shea stated, "This report conflates the acts of a few – who will be reprimanded by Israel – with the full-fledged sexual violence campaign orchestrated by Hamas, on October 7th. And that is disgraceful."
Regarding accusations against Israel for indiscriminate strikes, she reminded council members that "Israel is targeting Hamas leaders and operatives, who continue to use civilian infrastructure and hide among the civilian population – and the Council must condemn this practice."
She concluded her remarks with gratitude.