Cynthia Ezegwu
Israel has announced it will not attend an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on Gaza scheduled for Tuesday, citing the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Danny Danon, described the timing as “regrettable,” noting that despite requests for rescheduling, the meeting will proceed on one of the most significant dates in the Jewish calendar.
“As a country directly affected by the deliberations of the UN’s top security body, Israel had been invited to address the Council. However, our delegation will not participate in this meeting, as it coincides with Rosh Hashanah,” Danon wrote in a letter to the rotating Council president.
Israeli forces continue to advance their ground offensive in Gaza, with plumes of smoke seen over Gaza City on Monday, as civilians fled southwards.
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The meeting comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned address to the UN General Assembly on Friday, amid growing international recognition of a Palestinian state — a development Israel has strongly condemned.
“It’s unfortunate that the Security Council will meet without Israel,” Danon said in a video statement.