The Security Council resolution on Gaza — issued by America “in blue,” meaning ready for a vote — is the nastiest piece of work to surface at the United Nations since the Democrats turned against Israel. Absent a cease-fire it effectively relieves Hamas of its Security Council-mandated obligation to release the hostages. It hints at America’s opposition to a ground offensive against Hamas at Rafah. Plus, also, too, it blocks the future establishment of buffer zones to protect Israelis.

Want to know how sorry this is? It’s even worse than the proposal of — wait for it — the French. The Quai D’Orsay is advancing, on behalf of the non-permanent members of the Security Council, a counter resolution that would simply demand an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire for the month of Ramadan” and, separately, an “immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.” The American proposal, in contrast, ties every issue under the sun to the plight of 134 hostages.