For Israel, the terrorism of Hamas is a daily reality that some members of the UN Security Council fail to realize. In their calling for an immediate ceasefire, without a demand for Hamas to disarm, this is calling for Israel to surrender. This is completely unacceptable to Israel which will continue applying military pressure until all hostages are returned and the terror organization is removed from power.

It is deeply regrettable that this resolution failed to pass, preventing the Security Council from playing its rightful role in protecting civilians from atrocities and preventing a genocide. Irrespective of the pretext, Israel has no right to carry out a starvation and ethnic campaign against the Palestinians. In shielding Israel from any accountability for these crimes, the U.S. is allowing the country to continue down a horrific path that will never lead to peace, security or integration.