United States Vetoes U.N. Security Council Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
United States Vetoes U.N. Security Council Call for Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza
In a move that left the U.S. diplomatically isolated, the United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution, backed by the majority of council members, aimed to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had earlier declared Gaza unsafe for civilians, emphasizing the dire situation.
The U.S. rejection of the resolution sparked criticism, with Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood stating that they do not support a ceasefire seen as unsustainable, fearing it would only set the stage for future conflicts. Washington, along with Israel, opposes a ceasefire, asserting that it would benefit the militant group Hamas.
The Security Council vote underscored the deep divide on the issue, with 13 members supporting the resolution, the U.S. casting a veto, and Britain abstaining. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour expressed concern, stating that millions of Palestinian lives hang in the balance.
Hamas condemned the U.S. veto as “inhumane,” while Israel’s U.N. Ambassador insisted that a ceasefire would only be possible with the release of hostages and the destruction of Hamas. Meanwhile, Iran, a major supporter of Hamas, accused the U.S. government of being a key player in the killing of Palestinian civilians.
The White House acknowledged that more could be done by Israel to reduce civilian casualties, emphasizing shared international concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had earlier stressed the imperative for Israel to take steps to safeguard Gaza’s civilian population.
As fighting escalated and Guterres described the situation as being at a breaking point, concerns grew over the collapse of Gaza’s humanitarian system, potentially leading to a complete breakdown of public order. The conflict has displaced most Gazans, overwhelmed hospitals, and resulted in a shortage of essential supplies. Reports indicated intensified fighting in both northern and southern areas, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing the crisis.
