The United States expressed regret over the lack of consensus in the emergency, closed meeting of the Security Council regarding the condemnation of Hamas. Before the session, the US called on all Council members to issue a "firm" condemnation of Hamas's attacks on "Israel."
US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood stated after the session, "Many countries condemned the Hamas attacks, but clearly not all of them." He added, "You can certainly identify one (of those countries) without me saying anything," clearly referring to Russia, whose relations with the West have significantly deteriorated since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
According to diplomats, no country proposed a joint declaration, as the Council has often shown division on the Palestinian issue. Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated, "My message was in favor of an immediate ceasefire and meaningful negotiations," discussing a situation partially attributed to "unresolved issues."
His Chinese counterpart, Zhang Jun, condemned "all attacks against civilians," emphasizing the need to return to the peace process to achieve a two-state solution. Diplomatic sources indicated that Council members are considering issuing a joint statement, but the consultations are difficult.
Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan noted that there is a "single demand" from Israel to the Security Council, which is a "clear condemnation of the war crimes being committed by Hamas. These unimaginable atrocities must be condemned." He said, "Israel must receive strong support to defend itself."
In response, Palestinian Permanent Observer to the United Nations Riyad Mansour stated, "Unfortunately for some media and political officials, history only begins when Israelis are killed." He added, "We will never accept rhetoric that distorts our humanity and denies our rights, rhetoric that ignores the occupation of our land and the oppression of our people." He continued, "Now is not the time to allow Israel to continue its horrific options. It is time to inform Israel that it must change its course, and that there is a path to peace where neither Palestinians nor Israelis are killed."
