The United States is under mounting international criticism following its veto at the U.N. Security Council of a resolution demanding an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid. The resolution, supported by 14 of the 15 council members, also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The vote came as Israeli tanks and jets pounded Gaza City, the target of a major new ground offensive, forcing Palestinians to flee south.
The resolution text had demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties” as well as the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
The US has repeatedly rejected that approach multiple times, most recently in June when it used its veto to back Israel.
Thursday’s vote was the sixth time the US had cast a veto in the Security Council over the nearly two-year war between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas.
“Let this resolution send a clear message, a message that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on the hostages and the demand for a ceasefire,” Denmark’s UN ambassador Christina Lassen said ahead of the vote.
“A generation risks being lost not only to war – but to hunger and despair. Meanwhile Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians as a result.
“It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure that has compelled us to act today.”
Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Ahmad called the veto a “dark moment in this chamber.”
“The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts,” he said.
Diplomatic friction has escalated amid reports of famine across Gaza, compounded by Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza City. Several U.N. officials and ambassadors accused Washington of shielding Israel and obstructing urgent humanitarian relief.
In defending its veto, the U.S. cited concerns that the resolution failed to adequately condemn Hamas, or make clearance of hostages a precondition for any ceasefire.
(ANN with FRANCE 24, AFP, Reuters)
