At the United Nations, the General Assembly reconvened a special meeting on Gaza Thursday over Israeli and US objections. General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann of Nicaragua condemned the Israeli attack.

General Assembly President Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann: “If this onslaught in Gaza is indeed a war, it is a war against a helpless, defenseless, imprisoned population. On January 4th, the Foreign Minister of Israel stated clearly and unequivocally that, I quote, ‘the intensive diplomatic activity of the last few days aims to alleviate the pressure for a ceasefire and to allow time for continuing the military operation.’”