U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Tuesday that the relocation of the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem was not to blame for deadly violence that erupted along the Gaza border, casting blame instead on Hamas and its backers in the Iranian government.
Addressing the UN Security Council, Haley said Hamas, the group that controls Gaza and is labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S., was behind the clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces that left more than 60 people dead. She bemoaned the “double standard” she said exists at the UN under which Israel shoulders the blame for violence she said was spurred by Hamas and Iran.
“Let’s remember that the Hamas terrorist organization has been inciting violence for years, long before the United States decided to move our embassy,” Haley said. “This is what is endangering the people of Gaza. Make no mistake, Hamas is pleased with the results from yesterday.”
