Israeli delegation says timing of UN Gaza meeting is “regrettable”
Israel has announced that it will not participate in the United Nations Security Council emergency meeting scheduled for Tuesday, citing a conflict with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The announcement was made by Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Danny Danon, who called the scheduling “regrettable” and disrespectful to a key religious observance.
The emergency meeting was convened to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza, a major agenda item on the sidelines of the UN’s High-Level Week, coinciding with the annual UN General Assembly in New York. Israel, being a directly involved party in the Gaza conflict, had been invited to address the Council, but has now declined due to the timing.
Ambassador Danon: Request to reschedule was denied
In a letter addressed to the rotating presidency of the Security Council, Ambassador Danon expressed Israel’s disappointment that their request to reschedule the meeting was not honored. He emphasized that Rosh Hashanah is one of the most important holidays in the Jewish calendar, marking the beginning of the High Holy Days.
“I wish to inform you that the delegation of Israel will not participate in this meeting, as it coincides with Rosh Hashanah,” Danon stated in the letter.
“Despite Israel’s request to the Presidency and Council members to reschedule, the meeting remains set for that date.”
Danon added that the scheduling decision undermines the spirit of inclusivity and mutual respect that the United Nations claims to uphold.
In a video statement released Monday, Danon further said,
“It’s unfortunate that the Security Council will meet without Israel.”
Gaza offensive continues as humanitarian crisis worsens
The diplomatic tensions at the UN come amid escalating violence on the ground in Gaza, where Israeli forces are engaged in a large-scale military operation. The offensive has intensified in recent days, particularly around Gaza City, the enclave’s most densely populated urban center.
According to AFP footage, plumes of smoke were seen rising from various neighborhoods in Gaza City on Monday, while thousands of Palestinian residents were observed fleeing southwards, carrying their belongings in an attempt to escape the fighting.
The current escalation began after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, most of them civilians. In response, Israel launched an aggressive military campaign in Gaza that, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians, the majority also believed to be civilians. These figures have been widely cited by the United Nations and other humanitarian organizations.
UN General Assembly overshadowed by rising tensions
As global leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, the Gaza conflict continues to dominate discussions. Several Western countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Portugal, have recently recognised the State of Palestine, adding further pressure on Israel diplomatically.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to address the General Assembly on Friday, where he is expected to respond strongly to the recent wave of recognitions and outline Israel’s position on the conflict and the broader Middle East peace process.
The Israeli government has already denounced the recognitions as dangerous, arguing that they reward what it describes as terrorism and undermine Israel’s security.
Call for diplomacy amid religious observance
While Israel’s decision to skip Tuesday’s Security Council meeting may limit direct engagement on that day, diplomatic efforts are expected to continue behind the scenes throughout the week. Many observers see the Rosh Hashanah conflict as a reminder of the complex interplay between international diplomacy, cultural sensitivity, and the urgency of conflict resolution.
As the war in Gaza intensifies and political divisions widen on the global stage, the need for inclusive, respectful, and timely diplomacy has never been more critical.
