The United States vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Wednesday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, drawing sharp criticism from diplomats worldwide. The draft resolution, supported by 14 of 15 council members, sought unrestricted humanitarian access and hostage releases while condemning civilian casualties.
China\u2019s UN Ambassador Fu Cong expressed \u201cdeep disappointment,\u201d stating the U.S. veto \u201cextinguished hope\u201d for Gaza\u2019s 2 million residents. \u201cRepeated obstruction by the U.S. has prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its duty to quell this conflict,\u201d he said, urging Washington to abandon \u201cpolitical calculations.\u201d
\u201cThis is a moral stain on the conscience of the council,\u201d said Pakistani Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, calling the veto a \u201cdangerous message\u201d about Palestinian lives.
British envoy Barbara Woodward described Gaza\u2019s conditions as \u201cinhumane,\u201d emphasizing Israel\u2019s restrictions on aid delivery. Algeria\u2019s Amar Bendjama called the resolution a reflection of \u201cthe collective will of the entire world,\u201d while diplomats warned the decision could deepen regional instability.
The vote highlights growing divisions over the conflict, with analysts noting potential impacts on U.S. diplomatic influence and humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.
