UNITED NATIONS: The United States is reiterating its opposition to a cease-fire in Gaza, saying it would leave Hamas in charge of the territory still holding over 100 Israeli hostages.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood’s statement to an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday was a strong signal that the United States will veto a draft resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza. The resolution is backed by Arab and Islamic nations, the U.N. secretary-general and many other countries.
The council has scheduled a vote for later Friday. The resolution is sponsored by the United Arab Emirates, the Arab representative on the council.
Wood said the U.S. does not believe that an immediate cease-fire would lead to “durable peace, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security” because Hamas would remain in charge. A halt to military action would only “plant the seeds for the next war” he said, “because Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace, to see a two-state solution.”
He also called the Security Council’s failure to condemn Hamas’ cross-border attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7 “a serious moral failure.”
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.