US vetoes UN resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations told the Security Council on Friday that calling for a Gaza ceasefire would only extend the war, and the only option for peace is to eliminate Hamas.
Ambassador Gilad Erdan opened his remarks with a not-so-subtle jab at UN chief António Guterres for his invocation of the rarely used Article 99 of the UN charter to convene the vote, saying that despite wars in Ukraine, Yemen and Syria in recent years, none had prompted the same response by the secretary general.
"Despite the immense global impact of other conflicts and far more pressing threats to international peace and security, Israel's defensive war against Hamas — a designated terrorist organization — was the catalyst for activating Article 99. The irony is, that regional stability and the security of both Israelis and Gazans can only be achieved once Hamas is eliminated, not one minute before. So the true path to ensure peace is only through supporting Israel's mission, absolutely not to call for a ceasefire," Erdan said.
He also blamed Hamas for breaking the ceasefire multiple times. First, he said, was when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, and then several times during the seven-day humanitarian pause. During the pause, he said rockets were launched, and the parameters of the hostage release deal — including that all women and children be released and that children not be separated from their children — were not met.
He also said Hamas terrorized Israelis and Gazans alike.
"Hamas is responsible for inhumane terror against Israelis. Hamas is responsible for ruling Gaza with an iron fist, forcing Gazans to live in poverty, deprived of basic human rights." Erdan continued. "And calling for a ceasefire is precisely what ensures that this will continue. A ceasefire means that the suffering of all will carry all. A ceasefire cements Hamas' control of Gaza."
Erdan said his hope was "that we will see Hamas defeated soon so that both Israelis and Gazan can leave freely, free of violence and free of fear."
He also vowed that Israel would continue with its mission, which includes "the elimination of Hamas' terror capabilities and the return of all of the hostages."
"And we will complete our mission while supporting every humanitarian initiative, every humanitarian initiative to improve the situation for Gazans. Whoever truly seeks peace and security in the region must understand that the only way to truly achieve this is by destroying Hamas. Not by calling for a ceasefire which will only extend the war and the suffering of all. There is no other option," Erdan said in closing.
