By Jack Crowe
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
The Trump administration blocked the release of a United
Nations Security Council statement Tuesday calling for an investigation into
the killing of at least 60 Palestinian protesters in Gaza by the Israeli
Defense Forces Monday.
The statement, circulated by Kuwait, expressed “rage and
sorrow” for those who died in the Hamas-backed protests — sparked by the
relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem — and called for an
“independent and transparent investigation” into Israel’s defense of its border
during the demonstrations.
“The Security Council expresses its outrage and sorrow at
the killing of Palestinian civilians exercising their right to peaceful
protest,” a draft of the statement, obtained by Agence France-Presse, read.
“The Security Council calls for an independent and transparent investigation
into these actions to ensure accountability.”
The draft’s characterization of the protests as
“peaceful” was in sharp contrast to that offered by Trump administration
officials, who have exclusively condemned Hamas and their collaborators in the
Palestinian government for the violence.
The White House said Monday that blame for the violence
“rests squarely with Hamas” and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki
Haley reiterated that message during the Security Council session Tuesday.
“Let’s remember that the Hamas terrorist organization has
been inciting violence for years, long before the United States decided to move
our embassy,” Haley said. “This is what is endangering the people of Gaza. Make
no mistake, Hamas is pleased with the results from yesterday.”
The ambassador went on to praise Israel for showing
“restraint” in the face of the massive protests, which reportedly drew more
than 40,000 Palestinians.
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“No country in this chamber would act with more restraint
than Israel has,” she said. “In fact, the records of several countries here
today suggest they would be much less restrained.”
She subsequently walked out of the session when the
Palestinian envoy began speaking.
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