NEW YORK:The United States has vetoed a draft U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, amid mounting international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis.
The resolution, supported by 14 other council members, failed to pass due to U.S. opposition.
Despite widespread international backing, including condemnation from Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward, who criticized Israel’s military expansion and restrictions on aid as “unjustifiable, disproportionate and counterproductive,” Israel rejected the call for a ceasefire. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon accused council members supporting the resolution of pursuing “appeasement and submission,” asserting that only a forceful military approach would lead to peace.
Hamas condemned the U.S. veto, accusing the Biden administration of showing “blind bias” towards Israel. The draft resolution also demanded the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
The conflict, which erupted after Hamas launched an attack on October 7 that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took approximately 250 hostages, has resulted in significant civilian casualties. Israeli military operations have reportedly killed over 54,000 Palestinians, with many civilians caught in the crossfire and many bodies still under rubble.
Limited aid deliveries resumed in Gaza on May 19 under international pressure, followed by the launch of a new aid distribution system backed by the U.S. and Israel — a move that has been met with skepticism, as Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid. The U.N. continues to advocate for unhindered humanitarian access amidst the ongoing violence.
