Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield
U.S. Representative to the United Nations
New York, New York
November 18, 2024
AS DELIVERED
Thank you, Foreign Secretary Lammy, for your insightful remarks and for uniting us in this crucial dialogue today. I extend my welcome to the esteemed ministers participating in this significant meeting and express my gratitude to Special Coordinator Wennesland for his comprehensive briefing.
Colleagues, I won’t mince words: The situation in the Middle East demands an urgent diplomatic resolution. For over a year, we have witnessed devastating and relentless civilian suffering across Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. This crisis is exacerbated by unprecedented attacks from Iran and its proxies, causing instability in the region.
In response to this dire situation, the United States has taken a leadership role, demonstrating firm resolve in pursuing clear and actionable objectives:
Firstly, we aim to end the war in Gaza comprehensively, which involves ensuring the release of hostages while increasing much-needed aid to the Palestinian people, who are innocent victims in this conflict. Our second objective is to avoid a broader regional war. To this end, we must counter Iran’s terrorist proxies and their destabilizing actions while showcasing an unwavering commitment to the security of Israel. Additionally, we are pressing for the thorough implementation of the Council’s resolutions, including Resolution 1701, as a foundation for lasting peace.
These objectives remain at the forefront of the United States’ agenda, and we believe that a path to achieving them is clear. Secretary Blinken has underscored the urgent need to bring this war to an end and has committed to exhausting every avenue to realize that goal.
Israel has achieved the initial goal it set: dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and eliminating the leadership responsible for the horrific attacks on October 7. However, our mission now extends to ensuring that hostages are safely returned and that Hamas does not regain power.
Despite public claims to the contrary, Hamas has categorically refused to engage in discussions regarding the numerous proposals tabled over the past eight weeks. Qatar has also expressed its frustration regarding Hamas’ unwillingness to engage seriously and constructively in the peace process.
Nevertheless, we remain resolute in our commitment to diplomacy and dialogue. As we advocate for an immediate end to hostilities, it is equally urgent for Israel to take decisive steps to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The United States has been explicit about the actions we expect Israel to take to improve conditions for Palestinian civilians. We are closely monitoring Israel’s actions in this regard, engaging with its leaders daily. Some progress has been noted; Israel is currently acting on 12 of the 15 specific steps we have outlined. Yet, we must see all steps not only implemented but sustained over time, ensuring tangible humanitarian improvements on the ground. Allowing commercial trucks to deliver goods into Gaza alongside humanitarian aid is essential to prevent famine.
We also require Israel to address ongoing lawlessness, ensuring that the hundreds of aid trucks arriving at crossing points can reach those most in need in Gaza. Most significantly, we urge for substantial and extended pauses in combat across large areas of Gaza, enabling assistance to get to the people who are truly desperate for support.
Colleagues, this conflict has been significantly exacerbated by Iran, which has actively provided support to regional proxies and partners, thus placing millions of innocent Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese civilians in peril. The United States has responded forcefully, deploying military assets to deter Iran after they launched unprecedented ballistic missile attacks against Israel. This reflects our unwavering stance; as President Biden has firmly stated, we will continue to stand resolutely alongside Israel and all our regional allies in defense against Iran’s destabilizing actions.
Simultaneously, we acknowledge that with key Iranian-backed proxies like Nasrallah eliminated, a diplomatic resolution is paramount to ending the fighting in Lebanon, achieving stability along the Blue Line, and facilitating the safe return of Israeli and Lebanese citizens to their homes. Israeli officials have indicated their openness to a diplomatic resolution focused on these aims.
We are all aware that this necessitates Hizballah’s withdrawal from the area between the Blue Line and the Litani River, as well as the comprehensive deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces throughout the southern region. For far too long, Hizballah has posed a significant threat to the security of Israel, Lebanon, and the broader region. Backed by Iran, Hizballah has openly built its military capacity while disregarding UN Resolutions 1559 and 1701. This trend must be halted permanently.
Instead of calling for unconditional ceasefires, which we know Iran and its proxies will not honor, we urge members of this Council to speak with one voice in support of diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
Additionally, we expect all parties involved to uphold the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and facilities, ensuring that peacekeepers can operate freely and effectively as per their mandate. Attacks on peacekeepers must never be tolerated.
Colleagues, the United States remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring Israel’s security. President Biden has made it abundantly clear: our support for the safety of the Israeli people, Israel’s right to exist, and the security of the nation itself is unshakeable.
However, maintaining Israel’s security requires more than just military support; we must approach this issue holistically. Proposals to annex the West Bank or construct Israeli settlements in Gaza would only serve to further destabilize the region, creating obstacles to Israel’s full integration into its neighborhood. This is not the time to retreat from our commitment to a two-state solution.
Our diplomatic initiatives will pave the way forward towards peace.
Palestinian dignity and self-determination must be regarded as compatible with Israel’s security needs; these objectives are mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive. This involves enabling Lebanon to exert effective control over its territory and ensuring the complete implementation of Resolution 1701. We are also focused on strengthening regional and international resolve to prevent Iran and its affiliates from dictating the future of the Middle East.
Through strategic diplomacy, this region has the potential to heal and begin the journey toward a more hopeful future—one free from the undue influence of Iran or its proxies, Hamas and Hizballah. A future where Israelis and Palestinians enjoy equal levels of peace and security, and where the overwhelming pain we witness today gives way to the boundless understanding and collaboration that I believe—indeed, know—is possible.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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What are the United States’ main objectives in addressing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza?
**Interview with Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield**
*U.S. Representative to the United Nations*
*November 18, 2024*
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, for joining us today. Your recent remarks at the UN highlighted the urgency of the situation in the Middle East. Can you elaborate on the key objectives the United States is pursuing to address the ongoing conflict?
**Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:** Thank you for having me. The situation indeed demands immediate diplomatic engagement. Our primary objectives are clear: we aim to achieve a comprehensive end to the war in Gaza, ensure the release of hostages, and provide significant humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, who are suffering tremendously. We also strive to prevent a wider regional conflict by countering the destabilizing actions of Iran and its proxies, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to Israel’s security.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the humanitarian situation in Gaza. What specific actions is the U.S. urging Israel to take to improve conditions for Palestinian civilians?
**Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:** We have outlined specific steps that we expect Israel to implement to alleviate the humanitarian crisis. This includes allowing commercial trucks to deliver essential goods and ensuring the safety and accessibility of humanitarian aid. Importantly, we are also advocating for substantial pauses in combat, which would enable aid to reach the desperate populations in Gaza more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Iran’s role has been a focal point in your remarks. How does the United States plan to address Iranian involvement in the conflict?
**Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:** Iran has been a significant destabilizing factor in the region. Our response has included deploying military assets to deter Iranian aggression and providing unwavering support to Israel and our regional allies. It’s essential that we collectively confront Iran’s support for proxy forces that threaten the security of millions, including innocent civilians in Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon.
**Interviewer:** Transitioning to Lebanon, you noted the importance of a diplomatic resolution. What steps are being discussed to stabilize the situation there?
**Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:** Achieving stability in Lebanon is critical. We recognize the need for Hizballah’s withdrawal from key areas and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces to restore order. We are encouraged by Israeli officials’ openness to diplomacy, and it is vital that we work together to ensure the safety of both Israeli and Lebanese civilians and foster an environment that respects UN resolutions.
**Interviewer:** what message do you want to convey to the international community regarding the U.S. stance on this conflict?
**Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield:** The message is one of unity and resolve. We must prioritize diplomacy over hostilities, uphold international resolutions, and work collectively to secure a sustainable and lasting peace. It is time for all parties to engage seriously in dialogue, ensuring the safety of civilians and UN peacekeepers, and ultimately paving the way for a brighter future in the region.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield, for your insights and for discussing such critical issues with us today.
