The United States has exercised its veto power on a UN Security Council resolution advocating for an "unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza, despite unanimous support from the other 14 member states.
US Blocks UN Resolution for Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis
US Blocks UN Resolution for Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis
The US vetoes a crucial UN call for a ceasefire, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsen.
The US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, stated that the voted resolution would "undermine diplomatic efforts" aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. She emphasized that the resolution did not address Hamas's designation as a terrorist organization, a label recognized by the US, UK, and EU. "We support measures that condemn Hamas and urge its disarmament from Gaza," Shea remarked.
The backdrop to the veto highlights escalating humanitarian concerns, as the UN warns that over two million civilians in Gaza face a dire risk of starvation, compounded by an 11-week ban on aid shipments by Israel. Recent attempts to distribute aid have transitioned to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli and US-endorsed organization, which aims to supplant existing UN agencies in the region.
Compounding the crisis, numerous violent incidents have occurred en route to GHF’s aid distribution sites. The UK Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire to halt the "intolerable situation" in Gaza and further stressed the need for Israel to lift its restrictions on aid immediately to enable humanitarian organizations to operate effectively.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. The health ministry in Gaza now reports over 54,000 deaths in the territory, including 4,201 since Israel intensified its military campaign starting March 18.
The backdrop to the veto highlights escalating humanitarian concerns, as the UN warns that over two million civilians in Gaza face a dire risk of starvation, compounded by an 11-week ban on aid shipments by Israel. Recent attempts to distribute aid have transitioned to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli and US-endorsed organization, which aims to supplant existing UN agencies in the region.
Compounding the crisis, numerous violent incidents have occurred en route to GHF’s aid distribution sites. The UK Ambassador to the UN, Barbara Woodward, emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire to halt the "intolerable situation" in Gaza and further stressed the need for Israel to lift its restrictions on aid immediately to enable humanitarian organizations to operate effectively.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. The health ministry in Gaza now reports over 54,000 deaths in the territory, including 4,201 since Israel intensified its military campaign starting March 18.
