The United States has exercised its veto power against a UN Security Council resolution that called for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza. This decision came as all 14 other members of the Security Council expressed their support for the resolution. The document also included provisions for the release of hostages and the cessation of restrictions on humanitarian aid.
US Blocks UN Resolution for Unconditional Gaza Ceasefire
US Blocks UN Resolution for Unconditional Gaza Ceasefire
In a notable display of diplomatic tension, the US has vetoed a UN resolution aimed at establishing an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza amidst escalating humanitarian crises.
US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, argued that the resolution could "undermine diplomatic efforts" aimed at achieving a ceasefire, emphasizing the absence of condemnation toward Hamas in the document. The US, along with the UK and EU, considers Hamas a terrorist organization and argues that any resolution should call for disarmament and the exit of Hamas from Gaza.
This veto comes amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people face starvation as a result of an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid shipments. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by Israel and the US, has recently taken control of aid distribution efforts in the area, a move that aims to replace traditional UN aid operations.
There have been increasing reports of violence along routes to aid distribution sites controlled by GHF, raising concerns about the safety of aid workers and the effectiveness of the operations. The UK, represented by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, has voiced its support for the resolution, urging for an end to the "intolerable situation in Gaza" and emphasizing the need for unhindered humanitarian access to alleviate suffering.
The conflict escalated sharply after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostage-taking, prompting Israel's intensified military offensive. Since then, Gaza's health ministry has reported at least 54,000 deaths, including over 4,200 fatalities since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18.
This veto comes amid an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over two million people face starvation as a result of an 11-week Israeli blockade on aid shipments. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an organization backed by Israel and the US, has recently taken control of aid distribution efforts in the area, a move that aims to replace traditional UN aid operations.
There have been increasing reports of violence along routes to aid distribution sites controlled by GHF, raising concerns about the safety of aid workers and the effectiveness of the operations. The UK, represented by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, has voiced its support for the resolution, urging for an end to the "intolerable situation in Gaza" and emphasizing the need for unhindered humanitarian access to alleviate suffering.
The conflict escalated sharply after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 251 hostage-taking, prompting Israel's intensified military offensive. Since then, Gaza's health ministry has reported at least 54,000 deaths, including over 4,200 fatalities since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18.
