Israel at the United Nations Security Council in New York on Wednesday rejected calls for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza war.
Israeli UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan told the most powerful UN body that with a ceasefire in place, Israel would not be able to protect its citizens.
“Anyone who supports a ceasefire basically supports Hamas’ continued reign of terror in Gaza,” he said.
One could not demand a ceasefire and at the same time claim to be seeking a solution to the conflict, Erdan said further, noting that the militant Hamas is not a partner for reliable peace.
“Hamas has publicly stated – you all saw it – that it will repeat Oct. 7 over and over again until Israel is no more.
“How would you respond and defend your citizens from such a clear threat with a ceasefire?” he queried.
Erdan maintained that there could only be an end to the violence if Hamas handed over all its hostages and everyone else involved in the attack on Israel on Oct. 7. (dpa/NAN)
