Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the UN, shredded a copy of the UN Charter during his speech to the General Assembly, accusing the organization of disregarding the lives of Israelis. He called the vote on Palestinian statehood "an immoral act" that undermines the UN's principles.
In a dramatic and symbolic gesture, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan shredded a copy of the UN Charter during his speech to the General Assembly, accusing the organization of disregarding the lives of Israelis.
Erdan's fiery speech came before a vote on a resolution that would recognize the Palestinians as qualified to become a full UN member. He vehemently opposed the motion, calling it "an immoral act" that undermines the UN's principles.
"When it comes to the lives of Israelis and Jews, the UN charter means nothing to you," Erdan declared. "You shred the UN Charter."
Erdan's shredding of the charter drew gasps and audible disapproval from some members of the General Assembly. However, he remained defiant, accusing the UN of failing to take action against Hamas, a terrorist organization that has repeatedly launched rocket attacks on Israel.
"You have become a symbol of hypocrisy and double standards, a tool for those who seek to delegitimize Israel and undermine its right to exist," Erdan said.
Erdan's speech resonated with many Israelis, who have long expressed frustration over the UN's perceived bias against their country. Israel has been subject to numerous UN resolutions condemning its actions, while Palestinian violations have often been overlooked.
The vote on Palestinian statehood passed with significant support from member states, but it was met with opposition from Israel, the United States, and other countries. The US has pledged to vote against any resolution that seeks to grant the Palestinians full UN membership.
"Our vote does not reflect opposition to Palestinian statehood," said US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood. "Instead, it is an acknowledgment that statehood will only come from a process that involves direct negotiations between the parties."
The resolution's passage has been hailed by Palestinian officials as a major diplomatic victory. However, it remains to be seen whether it will have any practical impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Experts warn that the resolution could further escalate tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, as it could be seen by Israel as an attempt to circumvent negotiations and unilaterally impose a Palestinian state.
The vote has also raised concerns about the future of US funding to the UN. Under Public Law 101-246, the US is required to cut funding to any organization that admits the Palestinians as a member state. President Obama cut funding to UNICEF after the organization admitted the Palestinians.
It remains unclear whether the Biden administration will take similar action following the UN General Assembly's vote. However, Erdan's speech has made it clear that Israel will continue to fiercely oppose any attempts to undermine its legitimacy or compromise its security.
