The United States has blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, even as Israel continues intense military operations on Gaza City.
The draft, backed by 14 of the Council’s 15 members on Thursday, called for a “permanent, unconditional ceasefire” respected by all sides, the release of hostages held by Hamas and other groups, and the removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid.
It was tabled by the Council’s 10 elected members and went further than earlier attempts by explicitly stressing what diplomats described as the “catastrophic” humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Nearly two years of war have left at least 65,000 people dead, according to Palestinian health officials.
Subsequently, Washington vetoed the resolution. US deputy special envoy to the Middle East, Morgan Ortagus, said the text “failed to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself” and claimed it “wrongly legitimises false narratives benefitting Hamas”. She also dismissed last month’s UN-backed declaration of famine in Gaza as based on “flawed methodology”.
Palestinian representatives expressed outrage. Ambassador Riyad Mansour said the veto had prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its duty to protect civilians. “When it comes to atrocity crimes, the use of the veto should simply not be allowed,” he said.
Algeria’s UN envoy, Amar Bendjama, apologised directly to Palestinians: “Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights but denies them to Palestinians. Forgive us because our efforts shattered against this wall of rejection.”
He noted that the war has killed more than 18,000 children, 12,000 women, over 1,400 medical workers and at least 250 journalists. “Israel is immune, not because of law, but because of the bias of the international system,” he said.
Israel’s ambassador Danny Danon rejected the criticism, insisting the country needed “no justification” for its military campaign. He thanked the US for exercising its veto.
