US-Kuwait ties strained over Israel's response to Gaza protests
Kuwait has been vocal against Israel’s violence against Palestinian protesters along the Gaza border, much to the dismay of the United States.
The Great Return Marches continue along the Gaza Strip, and the death toll continues to rise. According to Gaza Ministry of Health figures released June 3, 123 people had been killed and some 13,000 wounded since the protests began at the end of March. Several international bodies have condemned Israel and demanded that the Palestinians be protected.
Kuwait, however, was one of the most vocal about what is happening in Gaza. During the UN Security Council meeting May 15, Kuwait's ambassador to the United Nations, Mansour al-Otaibi, proposed a draft resolution to protect Palestinian civilians and called for an international investigation into Israeli crimes.
US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley rejected the Kuwaiti position, accused the Security Council of double standards and defended Israel for exercising restraint in the face of what she called “Hamas’ provocation.”
Danny Danon, Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, on May 20 condemned the Kuwaiti draft resolution as dangerous because it strengthens Hamas.
