The United States vetoed a United Nations resolution on Tuesday, effectively blocking a call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. The resolution, drafted by Algeria and backed by Arab nations, aimed to halt the escalating violence that has claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, since its eruption four months ago.
The veto, the third of its kind by the US since the conflict’s onset, was met with a 13-1 vote in the 15-member Security Council, with the United Kingdom abstaining. This outcome underscores the widespread international support for ending the protracted conflict, which began with Hamas’s unexpected incursion into southern Israel and subsequent hostage-taking.
The Biden administration’s decision to block the resolution was based on concerns that it could impede ongoing efforts to broker a deal between the warring factions. White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated this stance, stating, “We still don’t believe that this is the right time for a general ceasefire that leaves Hamas in control and alleviates any responsibility for them to release the hostages.”
In a surprising move leading up to the vote, the US circulated an alternative resolution proposing a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of all hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood asserted that the Arab-backed resolution lacked effectiveness in addressing critical issues such as hostage release and aid distribution.
Despite the veto, calls for a ceasefire persist, particularly from Arab nations and a significant portion of the international community. Tunisia’s UN Ambassador Tarek Ladeb emphasized the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities, citing the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 1.5 million Palestinians are facing potential displacement amid escalating violence.
While the future trajectory of diplomatic efforts remains uncertain, the Security Council is expected to engage in discussions regarding the US-proposed resolution in the coming days. However, the potential for further escalation and human suffering underscores the pressing need for swift and decisive action to bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.
China Criticizes US Veto of UN Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza Conflict
In connection with this, China has sharply criticized the US for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. Beijing condemned the move, asserting that it sends the “wrong message” and effectively signals approval for the ongoing violence in the region.
The White House defended its decision, arguing that the resolution proposed by Algeria would “jeopardize” diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. In response, the US presented its own temporary ceasefire resolution, which included a warning to Israel against potential military action in the city of Rafah.
There has been widespread condemnation of the US decision to block Algeria’s resolution as fighting continued in Gaza. It was backed by 13 out of the 15 Security Council members, with the UK choosing to abstain from the vote.
In response to the veto, China’s UN ambassador Zhang Jun dismissed claims that the resolution would disrupt diplomatic negotiations as “totally untenable.” He emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, stating that failure to act effectively condones further bloodshed in Gaza.
Amid mounting international pressure for a resolution to end the violence and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the conflicting positions of major powers like the US and China underscore the complexities and challenges facing efforts to achieve peace in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
