Live coverage: Israel condemns UN vote granting Palestine membership

Israeli Ambassador Gilad Erdan made a bold statement at the United Nations by physically shredding a copy of the U.N. charter to protest the General Assembly’s vote to advance Palestinian membership. Erdan’s dramatic act came just before the assembly voted overwhelmingly for a resolution asking the Security Council to make Palestine a full member.

In his impassioned speech, Erdan invoked the Holocaust, World War Two, and recent Hamas attacks, accusing his colleagues of supporting the establishment of a “Palestinian terror state led by the Hitler of our time.” He criticized the assembly for welcoming a “terror state” into its ranks and warned of dire consequences.

On the other side, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour pleaded for support, citing the death toll in Gaza and anti-war protests at Columbia University. He urged the assembly to vote “Yes” as tensions escalated in the region.

As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, humanitarian officials report a dire situation with aid shipments slowing down and thousands of residents forced to evacuate for safety. The Biden administration is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to release a report on Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

The ongoing violence has raised concerns about a potential large-scale invasion of Rafah, prompting international calls for peace and humanitarian aid. The situation remains volatile, with both sides facing mounting pressure to find a resolution to the conflict.