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The United States has officially vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
What’s the deal: Earlier today, the United Nations Security Council voted on a ceasefire resolution led by Guyana, which called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid throughout the region. The resolution received overwhelming support, with 14 of the 15 council members voting in favor. The United States, a permanent council member, cast the sole dissenting vote, exercising its veto power and preventing the resolution’s adoption.
Why the US vetoed it: According to Robert Wood, the US alternate representative for special political affairs at the UN, the United States vetoed the ceasefire resolution because it failed to include provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas, which he argued would have vindicated the militant group. In a statement, Wood said, “We made clear throughout negotiations we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages. A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked. This resolution abandoned that necessity, and for that reason, the United States could not support it.”
Wood added, “Hamas would have seen it as a vindication of its cynical strategy to hope and pray the international community forgets about the fate of more than 100 hostages from more than 20 member states who have been held for 410 days.”
Criticism: Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticized the United States vote, saying, “There were significant concessions during negotiations, yet one member chose to block any action — any action — from this council. Today’s message is clear to the Israeli occupying power: First, you may continue your genocide. You may continue your collective punishment of the Palestinian people with complete impunity. In this chamber, you enjoy immunity.”
Israel reacts: In a statement, Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, thanked the US for “standing on the side of morality and justice by refusing to abandon the hostages.” Danon added, “The text ignored the suffering of the 101 innocent hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.”
