US vetoes Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire resolution
The United States has blocked a proposed ceasefire resolution at the United Nations Security Council for the fourth time during the Gaza conflict, using its veto power to protect its ally, Israel.
Despite 14 of the 15 Council members voting in favor, the draft resolution, which called for an immediate, unconditional end to the war and the release of all hostages, was rejected by the US.
Deputy US ambassador Robert Wood argued that the resolution disregarded the need to link a ceasefire to the hostages’ release, claiming it would send a harmful message to Hamas. The resolution also condemned efforts to block food and aid to Palestinians.
The UNSC, composed of five permanent members with veto power and 10 elected members, had introduced the draft in response to worsening conditions for Palestinians, particularly in northern Gaza, where aid has been severely restricted for weeks. A recent UN report indicated a real risk of famine in the region.
In reaction to the veto, China’s ambassador questioned whether Palestinian lives mattered, while France and the UK condemned the US decision, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian response.
Outside the Council, Human Rights Watch criticized the US for enabling Israeli actions in Gaza, accusing it of shielding Israel from accountability for potential human rights violations.
Israel rejects the accusations.
The current war broke out after Hamas gunmen burst through the border and attacked Israeli communities, killing about 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and taking 253 into Gaza as hostages.
More than 43,920 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s health ministry.
