UN Security Council Votes on Gaza Ceasefire Resolution Amid US Veto
The US vetoed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns over hostage release and Hamas's actions.
On Wednesday, the UN Security Council convened to vote on a resolution that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The United States exercised its veto power against the draft text, which did not link the ceasefire to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The resolution, supported by 10 of the 15 council members, also failed to explicitly condemn the attack carried out by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, or to require Hamas to disarm and withdraw from Gaza, which are key demands from the US.
This veto marks a continuation of US opposition to resolutions perceived as not addressing hostages’ release as a precondition for any ceasefire.
The last US veto on a similar resolution occurred in November 2023. The latest proposal acknowledges the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as 'catastrophic,' and calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid as well as its safe distribution by UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
Efforts by previous administrations, including the Biden administration, to broker peace in the region have encountered challenges, particularly with Hamas's insistence on amendments to US proposals considered unacceptable by American officials.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, an Israeli and US-backed foundation has paused its food delivery operations in Gaza following deadly incidents near distribution sites earlier this week.
Israel and the US maintain that the new aid system aims to prevent Hamas from appropriating distributed aid, but the UN has rejected the framework, arguing that it fails to adequately address the escalating hunger crisis while allowing humanitarian aid to be manipulated by political objectives.
The UN has reiterated its call for the restoration of all essential humanitarian services, stipulating adherence to established humanitarian principles and international law.
UN diplomats have expressed anticipation of a US veto, similar to previous incidents, with the expectation of support from the majority of council members.
In contrast, Israel’s Mission to the UN has communicated concerns that the resolution undermines ongoing humanitarian efforts and neglects to acknowledge the threat posed by Hamas to civilians in Gaza.
Israel has asserted that ceasefire negotiations are already in progress.
Currently, the population of Gaza, estimated to be around 2 million, remains heavily dependent on international aid due to the extensive damage to local food production capabilities caused by ongoing conflict.
The blockade imposed by Israel since March 2 has curtailed supplies entering Gaza, with limited aid resuming late last month amid international pressure to avert famine.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has called for an urgent influx of aid, emphasizing the dire situation faced by civilians in Gaza.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, Hamas militants have reportedly killed around 1,200 people in Israel and taken 251 hostages, with 58 of them still believed to be held captive.
The ongoing Israeli military operations have resulted in substantial casualties, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities, predominantly among women and children.
The credibility of these figures is generally recognized by UN agencies and independent experts, although Israel has questioned the accuracy of the reported casualties.
The United States exercised its veto power against the draft text, which did not link the ceasefire to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The resolution, supported by 10 of the 15 council members, also failed to explicitly condemn the attack carried out by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023, or to require Hamas to disarm and withdraw from Gaza, which are key demands from the US.
This veto marks a continuation of US opposition to resolutions perceived as not addressing hostages’ release as a precondition for any ceasefire.
The last US veto on a similar resolution occurred in November 2023. The latest proposal acknowledges the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as 'catastrophic,' and calls for the immediate and unconditional lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid as well as its safe distribution by UN agencies and humanitarian partners.
Efforts by previous administrations, including the Biden administration, to broker peace in the region have encountered challenges, particularly with Hamas's insistence on amendments to US proposals considered unacceptable by American officials.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis, an Israeli and US-backed foundation has paused its food delivery operations in Gaza following deadly incidents near distribution sites earlier this week.
Israel and the US maintain that the new aid system aims to prevent Hamas from appropriating distributed aid, but the UN has rejected the framework, arguing that it fails to adequately address the escalating hunger crisis while allowing humanitarian aid to be manipulated by political objectives.
The UN has reiterated its call for the restoration of all essential humanitarian services, stipulating adherence to established humanitarian principles and international law.
UN diplomats have expressed anticipation of a US veto, similar to previous incidents, with the expectation of support from the majority of council members.
In contrast, Israel’s Mission to the UN has communicated concerns that the resolution undermines ongoing humanitarian efforts and neglects to acknowledge the threat posed by Hamas to civilians in Gaza.
Israel has asserted that ceasefire negotiations are already in progress.
Currently, the population of Gaza, estimated to be around 2 million, remains heavily dependent on international aid due to the extensive damage to local food production capabilities caused by ongoing conflict.
The blockade imposed by Israel since March 2 has curtailed supplies entering Gaza, with limited aid resuming late last month amid international pressure to avert famine.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher has called for an urgent influx of aid, emphasizing the dire situation faced by civilians in Gaza.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, Hamas militants have reportedly killed around 1,200 people in Israel and taken 251 hostages, with 58 of them still believed to be held captive.
The ongoing Israeli military operations have resulted in substantial casualties, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting over 54,000 Palestinian fatalities, predominantly among women and children.
The credibility of these figures is generally recognized by UN agencies and independent experts, although Israel has questioned the accuracy of the reported casualties.