New York, 27 October 2023 (TDI): On the second day, an emergency meeting of the General Assembly is underway to progress towards a vote on the Gaza issue.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the United States to the United Nations, underscored the profound impact of the ongoing death, damage, and despair.
Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the absence of any justification for acts of terror, specifically referring to the “barbaric acts of terror by Hamas.” There is widespread agreement that it is necessary to condemn Hamas’ violent actions.
Thomas-Greenfield said that, according to her perspective, people are seen as dispensable by the terrorist organization Hamas.
The individual expressed that Israel was engaging in the exercise of its legitimate entitlement and obligation to safeguard its citizens from Hamas.
However, it was emphasized that such actions must be conducted in accordance with the principles of armed conflict and in adherence to the norms of international humanitarian law.
The speaker highlighted her nation’s efforts in safeguarding the lives of civilians and facilitating humanitarian aid in the Gaza region.
She urged other member states to contribute towards mitigating the humanitarian crisis in the area. She said that time is crucial and that lives are at stake.
With regards to the resolution, the US Ambassador underscored the absence of two crucial terms in the text.
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The speaker expressed her dissatisfaction with the resolution’s failure to explicitly identify Hamas as the responsible party for the terrorist attack that occurred on October 7 October.
Additionally, she highlighted the absence of the term “hostage” in the resolution, noting that it neglected to acknowledge the innocent individuals, including citizens present in the room, who are being held captive by Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
The speaker emphasized that these actions can be considered deliberate exclusions of immoral behavior, which provide protection and enable Hamas to engage in acts of brutality. It is imperative that no member state permits such occurrences to take place.
Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged that the United States has collaborated with Canada in co-sponsoring an amendment that rectifies these exclusions.
This amendment denounces the terrorist actions perpetrated by Hamas and urges the prompt and unconditional release of hostages.
The speaker emphasized that the presented resolution represents the minimal requirements expected, inviting all Member States to extend their support for the proposed modification.
She emphasized the need for the General Assembly to convey a strong and unequivocal stance against all forms of terrorism, as well as express solidarity with those currently being held captive.
The Ambassador cited a statement by President Joe Biden that said it was impossible to go back to the way things were on October 6.
It is imperative that we refrain from reverting to a state of affairs in which Hamas engages in acts of terrorism against Israel and exploits Palestinian civilians as a means of protection
As well as abstain from returning to a state of affairs in which extreme settlers are able to perpetrate acts of violence and intimidation against Palestinians residing in the West Bank.
This implies that with the resolution of the crisis, it is imperative to establish a forward-looking perspective, which, in our perspective, should revolve around the implementation of a two-state solution.
According to her, achieving that goal would require a collective effort from each individual involved.
