In a move that surprised few, definitely not Israel, the United Nations General Assembly condemned Israel for “excessive force” in dealing with Gaza border clashes in recent weeks. The General Assembly passed the resolution on Wednesday,1 Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, totally ignoring Hamas’ role in the cross-border violence that has left Gazans dead.

The resolution passed in a 120-8 vote with 45 abstentions. Backing Israel on the vote were the United States, and Israel, along with Togo, Nauru, Micronesia, Marshall Islands and the Solomon Islands.

The eight countries that voted against the resolution were the US, Israel, Australia, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Togo and the Solomon Islands.

In response, the Prime Minister’s Office issued the following statement thanking the US:

Israel appreciates the Trump administration’s steadfast support for Israel at the United Nations and Ambassador Haley’s strong statement today exposing the hypocrisy of the UN’s bias against Israel.

The UN’s incessant focus on Israel not only brings shame to the organization. It also draws attention away from so many other pressing issues that demand the attention of the international community.

As for Gaza, Hamas is responsible for the terrible situation there and for the loss of life and suffering that has occurred as a result of the violent riots it has instigated over the last few weeks.

Rather than improve the lives of the people of Gaza, Hamas is using the civilian Palestinian population as human shields in its unremitting terror war against Israel.

For his part, President Abbas has only made the humanitarian situation in Gaza worse by reducing payments of salaries to Gaza and by refusing to pay for electricity provided to Gaza.

While Israel will continue to defend itself and protect the security of its citizens, Israel will continue to seek ways to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The people of Gaza are not our enemy. Hamas is.

That is why Israel welcomes all efforts that would improve conditions for the people of Gaza while preventing Hamas from building its military capabilities to launch further attacks against Israel and demanding the prompt return of the Israeli soldiers and civilians Hamas is holding.

Prime Minister Netanyahu looks forward to discussing the issue of Gaza with Jared Kushner, Jason Greenblatt and David Friedman next week, as well as to discussing ways to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians and between Israel and the broader Arab world.

While we work to improve daily lives for the people of Gaza and to return our soldiers and civilians, we should also work to take advantage of the many positive changes occurring in the region to advance a genuine and durable peace.

Palestinians who threaten us will find an Israel determined as ever to defend itself. Palestinians who reach out to us in peace and friendship will find an outstretched hand in return.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)