The United States has once again exercised its veto power against a significant resolution from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which called for a ceasefire in Gaza amidst Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza City. This resolution was endorsed by 14 out of the 15 council members on Thursday.
The resolution demanded an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to be respected by all parties involved,” the release of all captives held by Hamas and other factions, and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza. Drafted by 10 council members, this resolution emphasized the “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis affecting the coastal enclave more than previous drafts.
Nevertheless, the resolution did not pass due to the United States’ veto. Morgan Ortagus, the US deputy special envoy to the Middle East, remarked, “US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise. It [the resolution] fails to condemn Hamas or acknowledge Israel’s right to defend itself, and it erroneously legitimizes the misleading narratives that benefit Hamas, which have unfortunately gained traction in this council,” Ortagus contended.
The American envoy further asserted that the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification’s official declaration of famine in the enclave last month utilized “flawed methodology.” He praised the efforts of heavily militarized GHF hubs, despite the fact that many Palestinians have lost their lives in these areas while trying to secure food for their families.
Condemnation that followed
Following the vote, the Palestinian Ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, expressed that the US veto was “deeply regrettable.” He maintained that this action had obstructed “the Security Council from fulfilling its rightful role in addressing these atrocities and protecting civilians in the face of genocide.”
“Regrettably, the Council continues to remain silent, which significantly undermines its credibility and authority,” Mansour remarked. “This illustrates that the veto should not be permitted in cases of atrocity crimes.” Concurrently, the Algerian Ambassador to the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, criticized the American delegation as well.
“Pardon us, for while the world advocates for rights, it simultaneously denies them to Palestinians. Pardon us because our endeavors, our genuine endeavors, have been met with this wall of rejection.” It is important to highlight that the conflict in Gaza has already resulted in the deaths of 18,000 children, 12,000 women, 1,400 medical professionals, and over 250 journalists, according to data gathered by Al Jazeera.
In the face of this criticism, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, asserted that Israel required “no justification” for its military actions in Gaza. He expressed gratitude to Ortagus for utilizing the US veto. Since the onset of the conflict, Israel has consistently claimed its intention to decisively eliminate Hamas. Nevertheless, the Jewish state has not provided a specific timeline for the conclusion of the offensive.
