Source: http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/press_releases/20090116_012.html http://www.usunnewyork.usmission.gov/press_releases/20090116_012.html
Date: January 16, 2009

Statement by Ambassador Alejandro Wolff, Deputy US Permanent Representative, on the situation in the Middle East, in the General Assembly, January 16, 2009 

Thank you, Mr. President. The United States is deeply concerned about the situation in Gaza and southern Israel. This is a very serious matter, as we all recognize. But this is a situation as a whole that is best dealt with through efforts on the ground, not through tendentious statements, polemics, or unrealistic proposals that do nothing to influence the situation in any positive way. 
The Assembly must be careful not to complicate efforts to seek a solution or undermine ongoing diplomatic activity to halt the violence in Gaza. This is especially so when the Security Council is dealing with the matter as provided for in the UN Charter. 
This Special Session should not be allowed to devolve into a platform for vituperative criticism just as every effort is being made to find a mechanism to bring the conflict to a halt. The Assembly must exercise great caution that its deliberations are not seized upon by Hamas or other terrorist groups as encouragement or justification for their unlawful actions or to further inflame tensions and spread violence and instability in the region.
The UN has already spoken through Security Council Resolution 1860, and the Secretary General is in the region right now working to find a solution to this situation and to ensure the resolution’s implementation. That is where everyone’s efforts should be focused – on the real work of diplomacy being done in the region.
Mr. President, the situation before the current events in Gaza was clearly not sustainable. The people of Gaza watched as insecurity and lawlessness increased and as their living conditions grew more and more dire because of Hamas’s actions. Hundreds of thousands of Israelis lived under daily threat of rocket attack, a circumstance no country would be willing to tolerate.
Our goal must be the stabilization and normalization of life for the people of Gaza. It is imperative that any ceasefire be durable and sustainable, and that it ensure the safety and security of Israelis and Palestinians alike. UN Security Council Resolution 1850 describes the principles to chart a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike – noting that a lasting peace can only be based on an enduring commitment to mutual recognition; freedom from violence, incitement, and terror; and the two-state solution, building upon previous agreements and obligations. That is the end to which all our efforts should be directed – and with which Hamas’ current actions and policies are incompatible. 
Mr. President, as a procedural matter, I note that the President of the General Assembly circulated yesterday his draft resolution. I would note that such Presidential Drafts are normally presented as consensus documents on behalf of the entire membership. Can you inform us of what plans the Presidency has in mind for scheduling consultations to achieve that consensus? 
Thank You, Mr. President.