The United States once again exercised its veto power at the United Nations Security Council on Thursday, blocking a resolution that called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the lifting of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid.
The resolution, which received support from all 14 other Council members, underscored the deepening international division over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The draft resolution, introduced by the Council’s 10 elected members, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and highlighted the severe famine gripping Gaza City. It demanded that Israel ensure safe and unhindered delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups.
In justifying the veto, the United States argued that the resolution failed to adequately condemn Hamas for its role in initiating the conflict and did not sufficiently reaffirm Israel’s right to self-defense. U.S. officials contended that the resolution’s language could embolden Hamas and undermine efforts to secure the release of hostages.
The veto marks the sixth time the United States has blocked a Security Council resolution related to the Gaza conflict since November 2023.
The repeated use of the veto has drawn criticism from various international actors, who argue that it reflects a broader pattern of shielding Israel from meaningful diplomatic pressure.
Palestinian representatives expressed profound disappointment following the veto. Riyad Mansour, Palestine’s observer to the U.N., stated that the resolution represented the “bare minimum that humanity, legality and morality dictate” but was blocked, leaving Palestinians unprotected.
He condemned the veto as an abdication of the international community’s responsibility to prevent genocide and protect civilians.
Algeria’s ambassador to the U.N., Amar Bendjama, also voiced strong criticism, warning that the failure of the resolution reflected a lack of global leadership in ending the suffering in Gaza. Bendjama expressed regret on behalf of the international community, stating, “Forgive us, Palestinian brothers, sisters.”
The veto occurred amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have intensified in recent weeks.
The Israeli military has launched a new ground offensive in Gaza City, aiming to destroy Hamas’s military infrastructure. The operation has led to further displacement of civilians and exacerbated the already dire humanitarian conditions in the region.
The United Nations had previously reported that Gaza City is experiencing famine conditions, with widespread food insecurity affecting a significant portion of the population.
Humanitarian organizations have warned that without a ceasefire and the lifting of aid restrictions, the situation could deteriorate further, leading to more deaths and suffering among civilians.
The timing of the veto is particularly significant as it precedes the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, where the situation in Gaza is expected to be a major topic of discussion. Many countries are anticipated to recognize an independent Palestinian state during the Assembly, a move strongly opposed by both Israel and the United States.
This latest development underscores the deepening rift between the United States and much of the international community over how to address the Gaza conflict.
While the U.S. continues to support Israel’s right to self-defense, many other nations are calling for a more balanced approach that includes immediate humanitarian relief and a path toward a lasting peace.
As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the international community remains divided on how best to respond to the ongoing crisis. The U.S. veto has highlighted the complexities of balancing security concerns with humanitarian imperatives, leaving the path forward uncertain and fraught with diplomatic challenges.
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