Israeli Ambassador Slams U.N. Official, Rejects U.K., France, Canada Ceasefire Calls

Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has unleashed a fiery rebuke against international critiques targeting Israel's ongoing conflict with Hamas. In an exclusive interview at the Jerusalem Post conference in New York, Danon addressed a joint statement from the U.K., France, and Canada, which condemned Israel's military operations in Gaza and demanded an immediate ceasefire while urging more humanitarian aid. "We value international law, but our resolve to defeat Hamas and secure the release of all 58 hostages held in Gaza is unwavering," Danon declared, emphasizing that the war will not end until every captive is brought home.

Danon expressed frustration over the international community's failure to pressure Hamas on the hostage issue, calling for stronger statements in support of Israel’s efforts. He also sharply criticized Tom Fletcher, the U.N.’s undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, for accusing Israel of genocide during a Security Council speech. "Fletcher’s remarks are a shameful libel," Danon said, demanding a retraction and apology. "We’re fighting a terror group, not committing atrocities. He knows better."

The ambassador also addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, noting Israel’s recent decision to allow limited aid trucks into the region after a two-month closure. He stressed that aid is permitted only through NGOs free of Hamas infiltration to prevent looting. Responding to Fletcher’s comment on X that the aid was a "drop in the ocean," Danon insisted on sticking to facts and reiterated his call for a retraction of the genocide accusation.

Danon also endorsed a U.S.-backed initiative to replace the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) with a new aid mechanism, criticizing the U.N.’s role in the region. "If the U.N. truly cares about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, they should support these efforts, not boycott them," he said, highlighting Israel’s commitment to both defeating Hamas and addressing humanitarian needs on its terms.