The US faces backlash after blocking a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages, citing concerns over emboldening Hamas.
The United States, on Wednesday, exercised its veto power in the UN Security Council to block a resolution that sought an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, alongside the release of hostages. The resolution, proposed by the council's 10 elected non-permanent members, received support from all other 14 members.
The resolution also called for unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned efforts to starve civilians. Since the war in Gaza erupted in October last year, more than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed, with over 70% of casualties reported to be women and children. Additionally, over 130,000 individuals have been injured, and the enclave faces mass displacement and a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Robert Wood, the US Alternate Ambassador to the UN, justified the veto, stating, "An unconditional ceasefire would mean acceptance by the Security Council of Hamas remaining in power in Gaza. The United States will never accept this." He added that endorsing such a resolution would embolden Hamas and hinder efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Palestinian Deputy Ambassador Majed Bamya criticized the failure to adopt the resolution, accusing the council of failing to act against what he described as "an attempt to annihilate a nation." He questioned the double standards in applying international law, stating, "Do they have the right to kill, and the only right we have is to die?"
Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, praised the US veto, asserting, "Thanks to the US, we stood firm with our position that there will be no ceasefire without the release of the hostages."
Other council members, including China and Algeria, condemned the US stance. China’s Ambassador Fu Cong highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing the US of distorting international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, Algerian envoy Amar Bendjama denounced the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable, stating, “To the Israeli occupying power: You may continue your genocide and collective punishment with complete impunity.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports of famine and inadequate aid reaching civilians. British envoy Barbara Woodward, presiding over the council this month, called the situation "catastrophic and unacceptable" and urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law.
The latest vote underscores the growing divide within the UN Security Council over how to address the ongoing conflict, as calls for an immediate ceasefire clash with concerns about enabling Hamas.
The United States, on Wednesday, exercised its veto power in the UN Security Council to block a resolution that sought an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" in Gaza, alongside the release of hostages. The resolution, proposed by the council's 10 elected non-permanent members, received support from all other 14 members.
The resolution also called for unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned efforts to starve civilians. Since the war in Gaza erupted in October last year, more than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed, with over 70% of casualties reported to be women and children. Additionally, over 130,000 individuals have been injured, and the enclave faces mass displacement and a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Robert Wood, the US Alternate Ambassador to the UN, justified the veto, stating, "An unconditional ceasefire would mean acceptance by the Security Council of Hamas remaining in power in Gaza. The United States will never accept this." He added that endorsing such a resolution would embolden Hamas and hinder efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Palestinian Deputy Ambassador Majed Bamya criticized the failure to adopt the resolution, accusing the council of failing to act against what he described as "an attempt to annihilate a nation." He questioned the double standards in applying international law, stating, "Do they have the right to kill, and the only right we have is to die?"
Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, praised the US veto, asserting, "Thanks to the US, we stood firm with our position that there will be no ceasefire without the release of the hostages."
Other council members, including China and Algeria, condemned the US stance. China’s Ambassador Fu Cong highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing the US of distorting international humanitarian law. Meanwhile, Algerian envoy Amar Bendjama denounced the international community’s failure to hold Israel accountable, stating, “To the Israeli occupying power: You may continue your genocide and collective punishment with complete impunity.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with reports of famine and inadequate aid reaching civilians. British envoy Barbara Woodward, presiding over the council this month, called the situation "catastrophic and unacceptable" and urged Israel to respect international humanitarian law.
The latest vote underscores the growing divide within the UN Security Council over how to address the ongoing conflict, as calls for an immediate ceasefire clash with concerns about enabling Hamas.
