Israel vows to continue fight against Hamas, seeks release of hostages

Israel has reiterated its unwavering commitment to securing the release of hostages held in Gaza, marking the one-year anniversary of a devastating Hamas attack at a United Nations commemoration event.

Israel’s leaders vowed to continue fighting until all hostages are freed, honoring the victims of the tragic attack.

At an event at held at the United Nations to commemorate the first anniversary of a devastating Hamas attack, the country’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the world body for failing to condemn the massacre, citing resolutions focused on Gaza instead.

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Danon said, “The UN has failed to protect the innocent and condemn evil.”

On October 18, 2023, the United States exercised its veto power in the UN Security Council, blocking a draft resolution that condemned Hamas and called for humanitarian access in Gaza.

Washington clarified its decision, citing the need for more time to negotiate aid access and expressing disappointment that the resolution failed to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.

“There are those in the Security Council, and outside, who fail to condemn Hamas’ atrocities or even say the word Hamas,” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the Oct. 7 commemorative event on Monday.

“There are those in the region who have sought to build on Hamas’ actions and are now pushing the Middle East to the precipice of a broader war – terrorist groups like the Houthis and Hezbollah,” she said, also accusing Iran of seeking to take advantage of the situation to advance a “destructive agenda.”

The Hamas assault on October 7 prompted a robust Israeli violent response in Gaza, resulting in the killing of over 41,000 lives, according to local authorities. The escalating conflict has heightened concerns of a broader regional war, drawing in Israel, Iran, and Iran-backed militant groups.