US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution on Gaza Ceasefire
The United States has exercised its veto power against a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood stated that the resolution failed to adequately link the ceasefire to the immediate release of hostages held in the territory, asserting that these two objectives are inextricably linked. Wood emphasized, "We made clear throughout the negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that did not release the hostages."
The resolution, which was drafted by the ten elected members of the Security Council, aimed to pressure Israel to halt its military operations amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, it did not include any provisions that would enforce compliance, as it lacked references to Chapter VII of the UN Charter, which allows for sanctions or other measures to ensure adherence to Security Council decisions. The US's veto marks the fourth rejection of a Gaza ceasefire resolution by the Security Council.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The veto has drawn criticism from various international representatives. Palestinian officials condemned the US decision, with Deputy Ambassador Majed Bamya asserting, "There is no right to mass killing of civilians. There is no right to starve an entire civilian population." Meanwhile, France and the UK, both supporters of the resolution, expressed disappointment, highlighting the urgency of implementing a ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with reports indicating that over 144,000 Palestinians have been killed or injured since the Israeli military campaign began on October 7, 2023. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with calls for immediate action from the international community to address the crisis.
