The United States used its veto power to block a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The majority of the council, 13 out of 15 members, voted in favor of the resolution.
During the United Nations Security Council, the United States exercised its veto power to block a resolution put forth by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Despite receiving support from 13 out of the 15 Council members, the resolution was thwarted by the U.S., with Britain choosing to abstain.
The move came after a warning from UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He expressed deep concern about the escalating conflict in Gaza. Guterres emphasized that failure to halt the fighting could jeopardize global peace and destabilize the Middle East.
The UAE, the sole Arab state on the Council, presented the resolution in an early morning vote (Pakistan time) on Saturday. The U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Robert A. Wood, had previously made it clear that Washington did not back an immediate ceasefire. Wood criticized the Security Council’s failure to condemn a recent raid by Hamas and argued against a prompt ceasefire. He stated that it could pave the way for future crises as Hamas lacked the desire for a lasting peace.
However, Ambassador Wood also issued a warning to Israel, stating that the U.S. would not support the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank. He also emphasized the need to avoid enduring displacement or reduction of Gaza’s territory.
Standing Of Major World Leaders
Secretary-General Guterres, using his emergency powers to convene the session, expressed concerns about the potential collapse of the humanitarian support system in Gaza, emphasizing the risk of devastating consequences for public order, mass displacement into Egypt, and regional security. He urged the Council to act immediately for a humanitarian ceasefire.
British Ambassador Barbara Woodward, while supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, called for targeted and precise actions, protection of civilians, and increased humanitarian aid to prevent a catastrophe. France and China echoed similar sentiments, urging for an immediate humanitarian truce and emphasizing the importance of a two-state solution.
Russia’s Deputy Representative Dmitry Polyanskiy called on the Council to “save Palestinians from extermination” and demanded an end to hostilities. He also warned that flooding Gaza with seawater by the Israeli military would amount to a war crime.
UAE Ambassador Mohamed Issa Abushahab stressed the urgent need for Council action, pointing out the limited aid reaching Gaza and the increased danger for civilians. He highlighted the dangerous phase of the unrest, particularly the siege of Khan Yunis and other parts of southern Gaza.
