Israel, US Try to Ward Off UN Condemnation of Gaza Air Strikes

Source: Haaretz

Jerusalem and Washington are trying to prevent the UN Security Council from condemning Israel’s air offensive in the Gaza Strip, in which dozens of Palestinian civilians have been killed, Israeli diplomats said Thursday. The Security Council is due to meet at 10 A.M. New York time to discuss the fighting between Israel and Hamas.

On Wednesday delegates from Muslim countries met with Rwanda’s ambassador, who currently holds the Security Council’s rotating presidency. The delegates were granted their request for an emergency meeting on the escalation in Gaza, part of which will be open.

At the session, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is expected to describe the situation in Gaza and detail his contacts with both sides. Ban spoke by phone Wednesday to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. At the Security Council, Ban’s comments are expected to be followed by statements by the Israeli and Palestinian UN ambassadors.

After the open discussion, the delegates of the council’s 15 members will convene for a closed meeting to consider whether to release a statement. Israeli diplomats say the United States is working with the council’s members, particularly Jordan, to ensure that the panel does not condemn Israel. Jordan represents the Arab countries in the Security Council.

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Read more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.604337

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Yeah, this is what I want to see out of US diplomacy. Provide Israel cover while it kills more Palestinians. I think it's up to 80 now, including civilians, women, and children.