The United States has exercised its veto power against a United Nations Security Council resolution.
This resolution sought an immediate ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The U.S. decision comes amid a growing international outcry for a cessation of hostilities, led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and several Arab nations.
According to News.com.au, American envoy Robert Wood criticized the resolution as being "divorced from reality" and ineffective in changing the situation on the ground. He argued that the resolution, in its current form, would leave Hamas in a position to repeat its actions from October 7. The resolution's sponsors were also criticized for hastily pushing it through without altering its call for an unconditional ceasefire.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with more than 17,487 people, mostly women and children, reported dead in Gaza, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
The UAE, which sponsored the resolution, expressed deep disappointment at the Security Council's inability to demand a humanitarian ceasefire. As a permanent member of the Security Council, the U.S. holds veto power, and this decision was met with varied reactions. While Britain abstained from the vote, the other 13 members were in favor.
The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, condemned those supporting the war, labeling it a crime against humanity. Israel, on the other hand, appreciated the U.S. veto, with its UN envoy Gilad Erdan thanking President Biden for his firm support.
UN Secretary-General Guterres, ahead of the vote, had condemned the brutality of Hamas but emphasized the need to avoid collective punishment of the Palestinian people. Israel has been conducting intense bombardments and ground operations in Gaza since October 7, in response to Hamas' attacks on southern Israel, which resulted in 1,200 deaths, as per Israeli reports.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with vast areas turned into wastelands and about 80% of the population displaced, facing shortages of essential supplies and the threat of disease.
The UN's efforts for a humanitarian ceasefire aim to prevent a catastrophe with far-reaching implications for the entire Middle East. The rejection of this resolution by the U.S. has sparked a debate on the role of international bodies in conflict resolution and the responsibilities of nations in upholding humanitarian laws.
