Israel has announced it will not attend an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting on the ongoing Gaza conflict scheduled for Tuesday, citing the observance of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, described the timing of the meeting as “regrettable,” noting that it coincides with one of the most sacred dates in the Jewish calendar, which marks 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 said in a letter addressed to the current rotating president of the Security Council.
Israel, which was invited to speak at the meeting, had requested a rescheduling to accommodate its religious observance.
However, the Council declined the request and maintained the original date.
The Security Council meeting is set to discuss the escalating humanitarian crisis and military conflict in Gaza, where Israeli forces have intensified their ground operations.
On Monday, AFP footage showed heavy smoke rising over Gaza City as thousands of Palestinians fled south with their belongings in search of safety.
In a video statement released Monday, Ambassador Danon criticized the Council’s decision:
“It’s unfortunate that the Security Council will meet without Israel,” he said.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address the UN General Assembly later in the week, amid growing international pressure and a wave of Palestinian state recognitions by several Western countries.
Israel has strongly condemned these diplomatic moves as undermining its national security and regional stability.
