UN Israeli Ambassador Denounces International Criticism
UN Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon has rejected the international backlash from Britain, France, and Canada regarding Israel’s military actions against Hamas. In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital during the Jerusalem Post Conference in New York, Danon stated that while Israel respects international law, it will continue its fight against Hamas until every hostage is released.
“We have 58 hostages in Gaza. This war won’t be over until we bring them all back,” he asserted. He voiced disappointment that the international community has not pressured Hamas more effectively, urging world leaders to issue stronger statements condemning the group.
A joint statement from the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada criticized Israeli military operations in Gaza, highlighted the humanitarian crisis, and called for an immediate ceasefire. They urged Israel to provide more aid to Gaza and to collaborate with the United Nations in ensuring that humanitarian principles guide assistance while promoting the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Comments on UN Statements
Danon also expressed concern over remarks made by Tom Fletcher, the secretary-general of the UN Humanitarian Bureau, who accused Israel of committing genocide in his speech to the UN Security Council. Fletcher criticized Israel’s military presence in Gaza, suggesting that much of the area is under Israeli control.
“What Mr. Fletcher said was unacceptable and shameful. He knows better. I hope he retracts those statements and apologizes. We cannot accept such allegations from UN officials,” Danon said.
Fletcher had further commented on the humanitarian emergency in Gaza, suggesting that Israeli aid should be “dropped into the sea.” Danon emphasized that aid is only provided to NGOs that can ensure Hamas does not infiltrate them.
“Let’s focus on the facts. We still expect a retraction of those inappropriate remarks from last week at the Security Council,” he added.
During a recent briefing, Secretary-General’s spokesman Stephen Dujaric also referred to Fletcher’s comments, calling for additional crossings to be opened. He stressed that without such actions, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza would only worsen, advocating for simpler procedures to enable consistent aid distribution.
Looking to the Future of Humanitarian Assistance
In the interview, Danon addressed potential changes to humanitarian aid in Gaza, particularly the proposal to replace the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestinian refugees with a new U.S. aid mechanism. He expressed support for this U.S. initiative, describing it as a promising step forward in addressing Gaza’s humanitarian issues.
“There’s nothing that ties us to UNRWA; they understand that, and the UN knows it too,” he stated. “I really don’t grasp how anyone could oppose humanitarian efforts. If the United Nations cares about the humanitarian crisis, they should engage with these initiatives rather than boycott them.”
