UN REPRESENTATIVES REPEAT CALL FOR PEACE IN GAZA AFTER US VETO OF CEASEFIRE – Several representatives were also critical of the U.S. position
Representatives of various countries to the United Nations on Tuesday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to effectively deliver humanitarian aid and urged permanent Security Council members to be wary of exercising their veto power after the United States blocked a ceasefire in the conflict zone.
The calls came during a United Nations General Assembly plenary session on Tuesday, which was held over the U.S.’ veto of a Russian-proposed amendment to the UN Security Council resolution on improving humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip.
On December 22nd last year, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2720 drafted by Arab countries on promoting humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip. Before that vote, Russia suggested that an amendment be made to the resolution calling for a suspension of hostilities, however, this was vetoed by the US, triggering Tuesday’s session.
Representatives from various countries said that permanent members of the Security Council should be cautious in exercising their veto power on the regional conflict, as a humanitarian ceasefire is a prerequisite for providing effective humanitarian assistance.
Several representatives were also critical of the U.S. position on the humanitarian ceasefire amendment, a move they say has only emboldened further Israeli military operations and put more civilian lives at risk.
