US Vetos UN Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire
(Worthy News) – On Friday, the United States vetoed a UN resolution seeking an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, which the UN Secretary-General described as a “humanitarian nightmare.”
As a permanent member of the Security Council, the United States holds the authority to veto any motion presented to the council. The United Kingdom abstained, while 13 other member nations voted to favor the ceasefire.
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood criticized the UN Security Council for not condemning Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians.
“If any of our own countries had been attacked in this way, we would all expect this council to reaffirm our rights to protect our citizens,” Wood stated.
He also pointed out the failure to acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.
“This resolution essentially says that Israel should just tolerate this, that it should allow this terror to go unchecked.”
Wood argued that halting military action would empower Hamas to maintain control in Gaza and warned that it would only set the stage for future conflicts.
“Unfortunately, nearly all of our recommendations were ignored,” Wood said. “The result of this rushed process was an imbalanced resolution that was divorced from reality.”
“For that reason, while the United States strongly supports a durable peace, in which both Israelis and Palestinians can live in peace and security, we do not support calls for an immediate cease-fire,” Wood stated.
Wood reiterated President Joe Biden’s stance, emphasizing that a two-state solution remains the sole path to enduring peace.
China and Russia Criticize the U.S.
China and Russia criticized the US veto. Russia’s representative to the UN stated, “It would be no exaggeration to say that today will become one of the darkest days in the Middle East.” He continued to criticize the U.S., branding them as “heartless” and characterizing the choice to oppose the ceasefire resolution as a “death sentence” for Palestinians.
It’s important to note that Russia has entered its 22nd month since it invaded Ukraine, disregarding all calls from the UN General Assembly to withdraw.
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