By In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Eli Cohen, has unequivocally rejected the United Nations General Assembly’s plea for a ceasefire.
Cohen made it clear that Israel’s goal is to eliminate Hamas, drawing parallels to the global efforts against Nazi forces and ISIS in the past.
The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution, with 120 countries supporting, 14 opposing, and 45 abstaining. “The resolution called for an ‘immediate, enduring, and consistent humanitarian ceasefire” between Israeli forces and Hamas.
This resolution was adopted during an emergency special session focused on the Israel-Palestine crisis. It also emphasized the continuous provision of essential supplies to civilians trapped in the conflict zone.
Israel’s decision to escalate ground operations in Gaza has added complexity to the situation. However, the resolution proposed by Jordan did not explicitly mention the Hamas terror attacks that occurred on October 7.
The international community’s response has been mixed, with the Jordanian-drafted resolution receiving support from various countries, including Russia, the UAE, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This divergence of opinions highlights the intricate nature of the issue.
Gilad Erdan, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, expressed his frustration during his address to the General Assembly. He claimed that “the truth holds zero importance in this body” and accused the majority of the international community of siding with terrorist organizations over a law-abiding state like Israel.
Erdan called on the international community to pressure Hamas to disarm, release hostages, and bring an end to the conflict. He emphasized Israel’s unwavering determination to neutralize Hamas’s capabilities in order to prevent future acts of violence.
Erdan passionately questioned why the resolution avoided explicitly naming Hamas, the group responsible for the ongoing conflict. He stressed the importance of directly condemning terrorists rather than using vague language.
While Israel remains steadfast in its mission to eliminate the threat posed by Hamas, the international community continues to grapple with a division of opinions. As the situation unfolds, the world watches and waits for a resolution that can pave the way for lasting peace in the region.
