The United States has criticized the UN Security Council over the fact that several major Western countries recently recognized the Palestinian state.
US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Walz, addressed the UN Security Council on the "performative" UN conference promoting a two-state solution in the Middle East, hosted by France and Saudi Arabia.
"Unfortunately, yesterday's conference spoke to a domestic audience, but it will continue this tragic war in Gaza and continue the suffering," said Waltz, adding that the Palestinian militant organization Hamas "is emboldened today by that conference."
Walz also echoed claims by US President Donald Trump that the Palestinian group had rejected several reasonable offers for a ceasefire in Gaza, which Hamas has rejected.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the conference, speaking of "a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of the last few months."
During the conference, which took place before the general debate of the UN General Assembly, France and Belgium recognized the state of Palestine. The day before, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and Portugal did the same.
Other countries also expressed solidarity with Palestine and the people of the Gaza Strip in the Security Council.
"Gaza is a man-made disaster," said Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, adding that "the situation there is dominated by death and despair."
Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen called on Israel to "immediately change its course."
"The war in Gaza must end," he stressed.
Walz also complained that the special Security Council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began Monday night and runs through Wednesday.
"We find it deeply regrettable that the members of the Council chose to convene this high-level UN Security Council briefing on Gaza on Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year - knowing that this decision excludes Israel," said Walz.
"Frankly, colleagues, it is evidence of how this Council has prioritized a lot of performance over serious efforts to advance peace," he said.
