Ambassador Waltz told the UN Security Council that Hamas bears full responsibility for the war in Gaza, recalling its October 7, 2023 massacre of civilians and its continued rejection of peace proposals accepted by Israel. He condemned Hamas for holding 48 hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and forcing captives to dig their own graves on camera. Waltz urged the Council to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization and unite behind one clear message: release the hostages and end the war.