US vetoes UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The United States has vetoed a draft ceasefire resolution put forward at the U.N. Security Council concerning Gaza. The proposed resolution called for an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" between Israel and Hamas.
The proposed resolution was supported by the other 14 members of the Council, including China, France, and the United Kingdom. The voting was conducted amidst the looming threat of famine in the Gaza Strip, which can affect more than 2 million people. Apart from demanding a permanent ceasefire, the Council’s resolution emphasises the importance of access to humanitarian aid, which Israel repeatedly denied. Israel’s 11-week blockade of aid was lifted last month. The resolution’s draft additionally demands the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and other parties engaged in the conflict.
Acting U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Dorothy Shea, before the vote, stated that "the United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza." The Ambassador also argued that the resolution would hinder US efforts to achieve a long-lasting ceasefire.
Israel has already repeatedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire, rejecting the possibility of Hamas staying in Gaza. Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon responded to the members of the Council who voted in favour of the resolution: "You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror." In turn, Hamas denounced the US veto, saying it depicts "the U.S. administration's blind bias" towards Israel.
The U.N. Security Council’s vote coincided with the advancement of the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Health authorities in Gaza claim that Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of 45 people, while Israeli authorities reported that one of their soldiers was killed during the clashes.
