Israel Promises to Continue Assault on Gaza After UN Security Council Approval

On Monday, Israel pledged to continue its military operations in Gaza, stating that it will not engage in "meaningless" negotiations with Hamas. This announcement came shortly after the UN Security Council overwhelmingly approved a ceasefire plan drafted by the United States, aimed at ending an eight-month-long war.

Reut Shapir Ben-Naftali, Israel's representative at the UN, emphasized during the Security Council session that his country wants to "ensure that Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future." He declared that the war would not end until all hostages are returned, and Hamas's capabilities are "eradicated," accusing the Palestinian militant group of using "endless negotiations as a stalling tactic." His comments followed a significant vote where 14 of the 15 Security Council members voted in favor of the U.S.-drafted resolution, with only Russia abstaining. This marks the first time the council has sanctioned a plan to halt the conflict. Israel is not a member of the UN Security Council, thus it did not participate in the voting.

The comprehensive three-phase peace agreement, which specifies the conditions for the final release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, was first presented by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31. This landmark vote signifies that the UN Security Council now joins other major global organizations in backing the U.S.-crafted plan, increasing international pressure on both Hamas and Israel to cease hostilities.