In a contentious move, the United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, a territory ravaged by over 20 months of conflict. This decision marks a significant stand as the US was the sole member to reject the resolution, which garnered support from 14 other Council members.
The resolution sought to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 54,510 Palestinians, predominantly women and children. It also aimed to facilitate humanitarian access and essential services amidst a severe blockade imposed by Israel.
If passed, the resolution would have not only called for a ceasefire but also supported diplomatic efforts to establish a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and initiate reconstruction in the devastated region. However, past diplomatic frameworks have collapsed, reportedly due to Israel’s failure to comply with established agreements.
Before the vote, acting US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, dismissed the resolution as “unacceptable,” criticizing both its content and its presentation process. Shea reiterated the US stance, asserting that it would not endorse any measure without explicitly condemning Hamas and calling for its disarmament.
She labeled Hamas a terrorist organization, despite its claims of defending Palestinian rights amid ongoing Israeli assaults, which the group has faced for decades with US support. The US official also mentioned that Hamas had turned down several ceasefire proposals, including one that would lead to the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.
UN agencies have raised alarms over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning of a looming famine and the collapse of healthcare infrastructure. The UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher highlighted the distressing scenes of violence faced by Palestinians, particularly during attempted aid distributions.
Hamas reacted strongly to the US veto, labeling it a clear manifestation of American bias toward the Israeli government. The movement claimed that the veto provided carte blanche for continued attacks on civilians in Gaza, emphasizing the US’s support for what they termed a genocidal war.
In their statement, Hamas condemned the US for disregarding international law and facilitating the ongoing conflict under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s regime, which is recently under scrutiny from the International Criminal Court. The group further criticized the ineffectiveness of international institutions in halting violence or ensuring humanitarian aid access.
This veto represents the sixth time the United States has blocked a Gaza-related ceasefire resolution since the onset of hostilities in October 2023. The US has defended its actions by claiming that prior resolutions failed to hold Hamas accountable or adequately secure Israel’s security interests.
In a similar incident on November 20, 2024, the US vetoed another resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, arguing that it did not ensure the release of Israeli captives, a point of contention in ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens with each passing day, the international community continues to observe the dire situation in Gaza, questioning the effectiveness and credibility of efforts by the UN and other global institutions aimed at resolving the conflict.
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