The United States has expressed its opposition to a recent United Nations Security Council resolution concerning the situation in the Middle East. The U.S. delegation criticized the resolution for its failure to condemn Hamas and demand their disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza.
The U.S. position was made clear: "we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza." The statement emphasized that Hamas has rejected multiple ceasefire proposals, including one that could have ended the conflict and released 58 hostages.
Hamas is accused of initiating the conflict on October 7, 2023, with an attack described as "the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust." The group is also blamed for endangering Israeli security and prolonging Palestinian suffering by using civilians as human shields.
The U.S. statement criticized some Council members for not acknowledging that Hamas could end the conflict by surrendering. It also noted that the UN has yet to label Hamas as a terrorist organization. The resolution was further criticized for undermining Israel's right to self-defense and equating Israel with Hamas.
Concerns were raised about aid delivery methods previously used, which allegedly allowed Hamas to benefit at Palestinians' expense. Instead, support was urged for the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) to deliver aid following humanitarian principles.
Secretary Rubio stated: "if an ember survives, it will spark again into a fire," urging pressure on Hamas to accept existing proposals. The U.S., working with Egypt and Qatar, aims to resolve the conflict for regional stability.
The statement highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts despite criticism of performative actions within the Council designed to provoke vetoes without genuine negotiation. It reaffirmed commitment towards securing hostage releases, including four Americans held by Hamas.
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