US UN ambassador condemns Israeli military actions in recent killings

The United States' Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed her discontent with the Israeli military's actions during a U.N. Security Council meeting. She condemned the recent strikes that resulted in the deaths of multiple personnel affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), labeling these fatalities as "preventable." The incident included an attack on a former school that had been converted into a civilian shelter, which led to the deaths of 18 individuals, including six UNRWA staff members. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the necessity for Israel to ensure the safety of humanitarian operations and protect workers and facilities. She criticized the Israeli military for opening fire on clearly marked UN vehicles, which had occurred on several occasions. The Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, countered these claims by asserting that UNRWA had been infiltrated by Hamas terrorists, suggesting that the casualties included individuals with ties to terrorist activities. In response to the ongoing conflict, Thomas-Greenfield highlighted the need for a fundamental change in Israel's military approach to prevent further loss of life among civilians. She pointed out the ongoing threat posed by Hamas, which has been accused of using civilian sites for military operations, thereby endangering innocent lives in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with accusations exchanged between Israeli officials and UN representatives. The U.S. continues to advocate for the protection of humanitarian efforts in the region, stressing the importance of safeguarding civilians amidst the ongoing violence.