Acting US Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said on Tuesday that Hamas is fully responsible for the renewed violence in Gaza, and the United States strongly supports Israel’s actions moving forward. During a UN Security Council briefing, Shea responded to claims from Palestinian Arab health authorities, who said that Israeli airstrikes had caused over 400 casualties overnight, as reported by Reuters.
Shea made it clear, “The blame for the resumption of hostilities lies solely with Hamas.” She accused the terrorist organization of disregarding every effort to extend the ceasefire and create a foundation for a lasting peace.
The Acting Ambassador also highlighted US President Donald Trump’s stance, stressing, “Hamas must immediately release the hostages it is holding or face severe consequences.” She reaffirmed America’s backing of Israel’s upcoming actions, dismissing accusations that the IDF had been engaging in indiscriminate strikes.
“The IDF is striking Hamas positions,” Shea explained. “It is well known that Hamas continues to exploit civilian infrastructure for military purposes, and the United States condemns this practice, as should others.”
Israel carried out the surprise airstrikes early Tuesday morning after Hamas rejected US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal and refused to release additional hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation later that evening, confirming that Israel had returned to military action, stating, “We returned to fighting with strength, on the recommendation of security officials.”
Netanyahu continued, “This is just the beginning. We will continue to fight to achieve the goals of the war and the promise that Gaza will not pose a threat to Israel.” He emphasized that future negotiations would only happen “under fire,” and reiterated, “From now on, negotiations will only take place under fire.”
He also reflected on Israel’s previous attempts to extend the ceasefire, explaining, “We extended the ceasefire in the weeks in which we did not receive any hostages, we sent delegations to Doha, we accepted the proposal of US envoy Witkoff, but on the other hand Hamas rejected every proposal. I accepted the recommendation of the IDF and the security establishment to return to fighting,” Netanyahu concluded.
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