In a diplomatic standoff, the United States wielded its veto power at the United Nations Security Council on Friday, blocking a proposed resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing genocide by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza. This move has isolated Washington as it shields its ally.
Thirteen members of the Security Council voted in favor of the brief draft resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while Britain abstained from voting. The rare resolution came after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned the council about the escalating global threat posed by the two-month-long conflict.
“What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?” questioned Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab. He emphasized the broader implications for civilians worldwide facing similar situations.
Both the United States and Israel opposed the ceasefire resolution, asserting that it would primarily benefit Hamas. Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Robert Wood criticized the draft as a rushed and imbalanced text, divorced from reality. The U.S. proposed substantial amendments, including condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks and acknowledging hostages taken in the assault on Israel.
Britain abstained due to the absence of a condemnation of Hamas. Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed Israel’s need to address the threat posed by Hamas within the bounds of international humanitarian law.
In response to the vote, Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour described the result as “disastrous,” highlighting the precarious situation for millions of Palestinian lives. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan underlined that a ceasefire hinged on the return of hostages and the dismantling of Hamas.
The United States, favoring its own diplomacy, aims to secure the release of hostages and encourage Israel to better protect civilians in Gaza. Despite this, Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged a “gap” between Israel’s intent and the situation on the ground, with Gaza reporting over 17,480 casualties.
The conflict has seen Israel’s aerial bombardment, a siege on Gaza, and a ground offensive, displacing the majority of the enclave’s 2.3 million people. The Security Council’s last attempt at action called for pauses in fighting to facilitate aid access, described by Guterres as a “spiraling humanitarian nightmare.”
As the international community grapples with finding a resolution, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with the hope for a ceasefire fading amidst diplomatic discord as 300+ people are massacred within 24 hours.
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