SRINAGAR: The United States on Thursday vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, despite overwhelming support from other members and as Israel pressed ahead with its assault on Gaza City, reports Aljazeera.
The draft, tabled by the Council’s ten elected members, received backing from 14 of the 15 members. It called for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire respected by all parties,” the release of hostages held by Hamas and others, and the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Washington’s Deputy Special Envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, defended the veto, saying the resolution “fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself” and “legitimises false narratives benefitting Hamas.”
The move provoked sharp condemnation from Arab and Palestinian representatives. Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour accused the Council of “silence at the cost of credibility and authority,” arguing veto power “should not be allowed when atrocity crimes are at stake.” Algeria’s ambassador, Amar Bendjama, issued an emotional appeal, telling Palestinians: “Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights but denies them to Palestinians.”
Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon welcomed Washington’s decision, declaring Israel needed “no justification” for its military campaign and thanking the US for its support.
The vote coincided with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations’ founding, which Al Jazeera described as a “sombre” moment. Its diplomatic editor James Bays said the decision highlighted “an America-first view of the world” at odds with a global push for multilateral diplomacy.
