The United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations on Tuesday to block an Arab-proposed resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In the Security Council vote, which saw a tally of 13-1 with the UK abstaining, the international community’s overwhelming support for ending the protracted conflict was evident. The conflict, which began with Hamas’s unexpected incursion into southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of 250 individuals, has since claimed the lives of over 29,000 Palestinians in Israel’s sustained military campaign, as reported by the Gaza health ministry.
This marked the third instance of the United States wielding its veto power to block a Security Council resolution aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza.
Although fully aware of the anticipated US veto, Arab nations tabled the resolution with the aim of demonstrating widespread global backing for terminating the Israel-Hamas hostilities.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield affirmed the Biden administration’s decision to veto the resolution, citing concerns that it could potentially disrupt ongoing US mediation efforts aimed at brokering a deal between the conflicting parties. This proposed deal seeks to institute a six-week cessation of hostilities and secure the release of all hostages held since Hamas’s surprise assault on October 7.
Ahead of the vote, the US introduced a competing resolution at the UN Security Council, advocating for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza contingent upon the unconditional release of all hostages and the removal of all impediments to the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Deputy US Ambassador Robert Wood articulated that the Arab-backed resolution lacked effectiveness in achieving the desired objectives of hostage release, increased aid provision, and a sustained pause in the conflict. He underscored that the US proposal presented an alternative avenue for consideration and discussion among allies.
A senior US official elaborated that the administration was not rushing to push for an immediate vote on their resolution. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the official outlined plans for intensive negotiations in the coming days to garner support for the US draft within the Security Council.
Arab nations, along with numerous UN member states, have persistently called for a ceasefire amidst escalating violence from Israel’s military campaign. Tunisia’s UN ambassador, Tarek Ladeb, emphasized the urgent necessity for a cessation of hostilities, particularly in light of the dire situation facing 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge in Gaza’s Rafah.
In addition to an immediate ceasefire, the Arab-backed resolution underscored the imperative of releasing all hostages, rejecting the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians, ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza, and compelling adherence to international law, particularly concerning the protection of civilians. The resolution condemned all forms of terrorism without singling out any specific party.
The US draft resolution conveyed a stern message to Israel, cautioning against proceeding with a major ground offensive in Rafah under the prevailing circumstances. It also highlighted the potential repercussions of further civilian displacement, including the risk of destabilizing neighboring countries like Egypt, thereby posing a grave threat to regional peace and security.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield reiterated the US’s commitment to facilitating a hostage release deal, emphasizing President Joe Biden’s engagement in ongoing discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as leaders from Egypt and Qatar. Despite remaining disparities, she expressed optimism that the proposed deal represents the best opportunity to secure the release of hostages and facilitate the delivery of vital aid to Palestinians in need.
{Dov Heller – Matzav.com}
