Ministry Statements & Speeches:
Today’s outcome is an important example of the UN General Assembly discharging our collective responsibility to respond to questions of international peace and security. We voted in support of the resolution after careful consideration.
However, we are deeply disappointed that the resolution failed to identify Hamas as a terrorist entity, and condemn its barbaric terror attacks on Israel on 7 October. As I said this morning, we are appalled by their brutality, their targeting of civilians, and the taking of hostages.
These are clear violations of international law. Further, the resolution would have benefitted from a call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and a reference to Israel’s right to defend itself, in full compliance with international law, including in respect of actions taken in Gaza.