U.S. Stance on Gaza at U.N. Rankles AIPAC

Jay Solomon reports on foreign affairs. Washington’s powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, criticized the Bush administration Friday for not vetoing the United Nations Security Council cease-fire resolution that passed Thursday night. The U.S. delegation at the U.N., led by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice , abstained from the vote, allowing the resolution to move forward. It calls for an immediate cease fire and the opening of humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip. AIPAC said the resolution undercuts Israel’s ability to protect itself against the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has been firing missiles into Israel. The lobbying group also said the U.N. action could undermine Egyptian efforts to mediate between the Israelis and Palestinians in a bid to fashion a long-term cease-fire agreement. AIPAC “expresses its disappointment with the U.S. administration for succumbing to pressure exerted by Arab states and agreeing to bring ... (link)