The United States on Wednesday vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, sparking widespread criticism from UN members.
The draft resolution, proposed by the council’s ten non-permanent members, demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, along with the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
In the 15-member council, the resolution received 14 votes in favor, but the U.S., as a permanent member, exercised its veto power to block the measure.
The U.S. veto drew harsh criticism from numerous member states. In a statement published by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Palestinian presidency stated that the U.S. veto encourages Israel to persist in its “crimes” against the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples while defying international law and legitimacy.
The statement emphasized Palestine’s clear demands to the UN Security Council and the international community: to halt the “aggression,” enforce a ceasefire, and address the “crimes” committed against the defenseless Palestinian people.
The presidency urged the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to take responsibility by acting immediately to end the ongoing “aggression,” the humanitarian crisis, and the hunger affecting Gaza.
Farsin Shaheen, the Palestinian Authority’s state minister for foreign affairs and expatriates, described the U.S. veto as “unjustified” and a challenge to the will of the international community.
“Achieving peace, security, and stability in the region and the world is contingent on implementing international legitimacy resolutions, ending Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory, and recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” Shaheen affirmed.
Hamas stated that by using the veto, the United States proves it is a “direct partner in the aggression,” responsible for “killing children and women, destroying civilian life in Gaza.”
The statement called on the United States to stop this “reckless hostile policy” if it truly seeks to end wars and achieve security and stability in the region.
Fu Cong, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed disappointment with the outcome of the vote, accusing the U.S. of crushing the last glimmer of hope for the people of Gaza to survive, pushing them further into darkness and despair.
Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, said it is “shocking” that the United States vetoed an effort to save Palestinian and Israeli lives, though he added, “We should not be surprised.”
He lamented that for months, the United States has obstructed and stood in the way of the council’s action to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza and has played on one side of the conflict to advance its own political objectives at the expense of Palestinian lives.
Reference(s):
U.S. vetoes UNSC ceasefire resolution: Gaza crisis and peace stalemate
cgtn.com
