The acting U.S. ambassador to the United Nations stated on Tuesday that Hamas bears full responsibility for the renewed hostilities in Gaza, affirming U.S. support for Israel’s actions moving forward.
During a U.N. Security Council briefing, Ambassador Dorothy Shea made her remarks following reports from Palestinian health officials that Israeli airstrikes in Gaza had resulted in over 400 deaths. The escalation came after negotiations for a lasting ceasefire collapsed, ending a period of relative calm.
“Hamas is solely to blame for the resumption of hostilities,” Shea declared, accusing the group of rejecting every proposal and deadline aimed at prolonging the ceasefire and creating a pathway to a permanent peace agreement.
She also reiterated U.S. President Donald Trump’s position, emphasizing that Hamas must immediately release the hostages it holds or face severe consequences.
“We stand with Israel in its next steps,” Shea stated, while dismissing claims that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were carrying out indiscriminate strikes.
“The IDF is targeting Hamas positions,” she added. “It is well known that Hamas continues to use civilian infrastructure for military operations, and the United States strongly condemns this practice, as should others.”
