Statement by the U.S. Mission on Palestinian Delay Tactics Designed to Defend Hamas Terrorism

"Today, the United Nations approved six anti-Israel resolutions. That makes it pretty much an ordinary day at the UN. But today was not ordinary in another way.

The United States has introduced a resolution, supported by the European Union, to condemn Hamas' militant activities and diversion of aid, as well as to encourage intra-Palestinian reconciliation and respect for human rights.

This resolution was supposed to be scheduled for a vote on Monday. However, the Palestinian representative at the UN pushed for a delay until Thursday.

The issue before the United Nations on Thursday is not whether it supports one form or another of a Middle East peace plan. The issue is as plain as the resolution's text. Each country will be asked to vote for or against the activities of Hamas, along with other militant groups like Palestinian Islamic Jihad. If the UN cannot bring itself to adopt this resolution, then it has no business being involved in peace discussions."