Israeli Ambassador Critiques International Community Amid Ongoing Conflict with Hamas

Israeli Ambassador Critiques International Community Amid Ongoing Conflict with Hamas

FIRST ON FOX: Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has strongly criticized the international reactions from the United Kingdom, France, and Canada regarding Israel’s military operations against Hamas terrorists.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital at the Jerusalem Post conference in New York, Danon emphasized that while Israel respects international law, it will relentlessly pursue Hamas until all hostages are returned. He stated, “We have 58 hostages in Gaza. This war will not conclude until all hostages are safe. Our priority is to bring every one of them back,” underscoring Israel’s unwavering commitment to conclude the conflict and liberate those held captive.

International Leaders Call for Ceasefire

The joint statement from the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Canada condemned Israel’s military actions in Gaza, criticizing the deteriorating humanitarian situation and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The statement insisted that Israel permit greater humanitarian aid into Gaza, urging the Israeli government to cooperate with the United Nations to restore aid in accordance with humanitarian principles. Additionally, it called for the release of all hostages being held by Hamas.

Ambassador Responds to U.N. Official’s Remarks

Danon further expressed his discontent with comments made by Tom Fletcher, the U.N.’s undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, who accused Israel of perpetrating genocide during his address to the U.N. Security Council. Fletcher’s remarks indicated that much of Gaza is under Israeli military control or has faced displacement orders.

Danon stated, “What Mr. Fletcher said was both unacceptable and shameful. Accusing us of genocide is a serious libel. I expect him to retract those statements and apologize. We cannot collaborate with him until he clarifies that Israel is not committing genocide. Our objective is to eradicate the terror group Hamas, not to propagate violence against civilians. Blaming us for such extreme atrocities is intolerable from any U.N. official.”

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Discussion regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues following the reopening of borders to allow aid trucks into the region after a two-month blockade. Fletcher commented on X, describing Israel’s recent allowance of limited aid as merely a “drop in the ocean,” indicative of the extensive needs still unmet.

In response, Danon stressed that aid is only permitted for non-governmental organizations that ensure Hamas does not infiltrate their processes or divert the aid meant for civilians.

“Let’s clarify the facts,” Danon remarked. “We continue to expect a retraction of the baseless accusations made in your previous remarks at the Security Council.”

Continued Multinational Concerns

Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, echoed Fletcher’s sentiments in a recent briefing. Dujarric emphasized that the scale of humanitarian aid remains deeply insufficient to address the overwhelming needs of the Gazan population. He called for the opening of additional crossings and the simplification of procedures to ensure a regular flow of aid, explaining that without these measures, the humanitarian situation in Gaza could worsen significantly.

Future of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza

During the interview, Danon also addressed the future of humanitarian assistance in Gaza, particularly in light of proposals aimed at replacing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) with a new U.S.-backed aid mechanism. He stated, “We have decided that UNRWA will not be involved with anything related to Israel. This understanding is mutual; both the U.N. and we are aware of it.” Danon voiced his support for the U.S. initiative, characterizing it as a positive development in addressing the humanitarian challenges in Gaza. He questioned how anyone could oppose a humanitarian effort, adding, “If U.N. representatives genuinely care about the crisis, they ought to engage in these initiatives, not reject them.”

Seeking Unification for Humanitarian Solutions

As discussions on international humanitarian aid continue, the Israeli government remains firm in its stance against perceived assaults on its actions during the conflict with Hamas. The situation requires a delicate balance between addressing humanitarian needs and ensuring national security. With divergent views on how to best provide aid and protect civilian lives, finding common ground becomes increasingly crucial. Danon’s comments reflect Israel’s ongoing struggle to navigate the criticisms it faces while ensuring its primary objective of defeating terrorism is met.