At UN, Israeli Envoy Danny Danon Recounts Oct. 7 Sacrifice, Warns Hamas Remains Armed

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, delivered a poignant testimony to the Security Council on October 7, 2023, recounting the tragedy of the Taasa family during the Hamas terrorist attack. Danon detailed how Gil Taasa, a civilian father from Netiv HaAsara, sacrificed his life by throwing himself onto a grenade to shield his two younger sons from terrorists. The ambassador described how terrorists filmed themselves drinking Coca-Cola in front of the wounded children after the attack, with footage later disseminated by Hamas on social media. "Gil Taasa was not a soldier. He was a civilian! A father who sacrificed his life to save his children," Danon stated, emphasizing the brutality of the act. He also highlighted that "three years after the massacre, the Hamas terrorist organization is still armed, continues to rearm, and is preparing its next attack." Danon urged the Security Council to impose sanctions on Hamas and work towards its disarmament, accusing them of "turning a blind eye." Additionally, Danon issued a warning to Iran and Hezbollah against attempting to exploit Israel's current election period for attacks, stating that any aggressor would face a "devastating response." He also cited a recent attempt to hijack a flydubai flight to Israel as an example of escalating regional terrorism and radicalization, and criticized the Palestinian Authority for delaying elections and allegedly perpetuating incitement to hatred in its education system.