US Vetoes UN Resolution Demanding Immediate Humanitarian Ceasefire In Gaza
The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.
The United States on Friday vetoed a United Nations resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The resolution has been backed by almost all other Security Council members and dozens of other nations.
Calling it a terrible day, the supporters had warned of more civilian deaths and destruction as the war enters its third month, according to news agency AP. The vote in the 15-member council was 13-1, with the United Kingdom abstaining, as reported by AP. France and Japan were among those supporting the call for a cease-fire.
Speaking after the UN vote, United Arab Emirates deputy ambassador Mohamed Abushaha asked, “What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?" as quoted by AP.
“Indeed, what is the message we are sending to civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" he further stated.
U.S. deputy ambassador Robert Wood termed the resolution “imbalanced” and criticised the council after the vote for its failure to condemn Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. He stated that halting military action would allow Hamas to continue to rule Gaza and “only plant the seeds for the next war.”.
“Hamas has no desire to see a durable peace, to see a two-state solution,” Wood said before the vote, as quoted by AP. “For that reason, while the United States strongly supports a durable peace in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security, we do not support calls for an immediate cease-fire,” he added.
UAE Diplomat Abushahab Expresses Disappointment
The UAE diplomat Abushahab expressed disappointment at the U.S. after the vote. He warned that the Security Council is growing isolated and “appears untethered” from its mandate to ensure international peace and security.
Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, slammed the vote and called it “one of the darkest days in the history of the Middle East." He further accused the United States of issuing “a death sentence to thousands, if not tens of thousands, more civilians in Palestine and Israel, including women and children,” as quoted by AP. He said “history will judge Washington’s actions” in the face of what he called a “merciless Israeli bloodbath.”
Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Calls U.S. Veto “Disastrous”
After the vote, the Palestinian U.N. ambassador Riyad Mansour called the U.S. veto “disastrous” and said it was “a terrible day for the Security Council.” “We reject this result, and we’ll continue resorting to every legitimate avenue to stop these abhorrent atrocities,” Mansour said, as quoted by AP.
Israel Thanks US
Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, thanked the United States for its “bold leadership.” “A cease-fire is handing a prize to Hamas, dismissing the hostages held in Gaza, and signalling terror groups everywhere,” he said in a statement, as quoted by AP. “Stand with Israel in our mission. We are fighting for our future, and we are fighting for the free world.”
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