US envoy to UN accused of ‘gaslighting’ over Gaza statement

The US ambassador has been accused of ‘gaslighting’ after urging a diplomatic solution to the ongoing wars in the Middle East, whilst voting against UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield issued a statement on X on Monday saying “the situation in the Middle East requires an urgent diplomatic solution”.

“For more than a year, we have seen devastating civilian suffering in Israel and Gaza, in the West Bank, and Lebanon. And we have seen upheaval and unprecedented attacks by Iran and its proxies,” Thomas-Greenfield said.

“Only diplomacy will provide a path forward.”

She has, however, vetoed several UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has been subject to an Israeli military assault killing tens of thousands of civilians and has been referred to the International Court of Justice on allegations of breaching the genocide convention. 

The latest UN resolution that was brought in on Wednesday was also vetoed by the US, citing the absence of calls for the release of Israeli hostages.

The resolution did in fact call for “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.

On X, a community note was placed under Thomas-Greenfield’s post saying: “Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield has consistently blocked ‘diplomatic solutions’ intended to reduce civilian suffering in Gaza.”

The note has since been removed but was archived by X users, with many accusing the US official of “gaslighting”.

“You personally vetoed every global effort at diplomacy, rejected Palestinian statehood and defended Israel’s genocide at every turn,” author Assal Rad said in response to Thomas-Greenfield’s statement.

“You will be remembered for aiding the devastation and suffering you have the nerve to talk about. Aren’t you embarrassed to post this?”

Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director of DAWN, asked why the ambassador had “blocked so many ceasefire resolutions and ceaselessly rearmed Israel to continue its genocidal atrocities”.

As well as blocking UN resolutions on a ceasefire for Gaza, the US has supported Israel’s campaign in the enclave, continuing to supply it with weapons – even as human rights groups accuse Israel of violating international law in their use – while providing diplomatic cover on the international stage.

Israel’s war on the enclave has killed 44,056 people and wounded a further 104,268. In its 14-month war, Israel has displaced the majority of Gaza’s population, while leaving much of its infrastructure damaged or destroyed.