UN MEMBERS RESPOND TO US VETO OF UN RESOLUTION IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR The resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed by the United States
A draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was vetoed by the United States. It was the third such veto since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.
“Proceeding with a vote today was wishful and irresponsible.” U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member body that the draft resolution could jeopardize ongoing talks between the U.S., Egypt, Israel and Qatar. “While we cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy, we look forward to engaging on a text that we believe will address so many of the concerns we all share.”
The blocked draft resolution, which was drawn up by Algeria, did not link a ceasefire to the release of hostages.
Britain abstained, while the thirteen other council members all voted in favour of the drafted text.
Israel’s U.N. Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said Israel also wanted a ceasefire, with very specific conditions. “If Hamas survives, it will be our children that Hamas will murder in cold blood again. Israel seeks a ceasefire, but there is only one formula that we are willing to accept. All of our hostages must be released and Hamas must turn themselves in.”
Outside the U.N. headquarters in New York, protesters called on the U.S. to back the resolution.
Washington traditionally shields Israel from U.N. action and has been averse to the word “ceasefire” in any resolution