The United States on Wednesday exercised its veto power to block a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The draft resolution, proposed by the council's 10 non-permanent members, demanded an unconditional and permanent ceasefire, along with the immediate release of all hostages.
The UNSC vote resulted in a 14-1 decision in favor of the resolution, but the U.S., as a permanent member, used its veto to prevent its adoption. This move has drawn severe criticism from the majority of UN members.
In a statement released by the Palestinian news agency WAFA, the Palestinian presidency condemned the U.S. veto, accusing it of encouraging Israel to continue its actions against Palestinian and Lebanese civilians and defying international law. The statement emphasized Palestine's clear demands for ending the aggression, enforcing a ceasefire, and addressing the crimes committed against the Palestinian people.
Farsin Shaheen, the Palestinian Authority's state minister for foreign affairs and expatriates, labeled the U.S. veto as \"unjustified\" and a challenge to the international community's will. She asserted that lasting peace and stability in the region depend on implementing international resolutions, ending the Israeli occupation, and recognizing the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
Hamas also criticized the U.S. for the veto, accusing it of being a direct partner in the aggression and holding responsibility for the destruction and loss of civilian lives in Gaza. The group called on the United States to halt its hostile policies if it genuinely seeks regional security and stability.
Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed disappointment over the veto, stating that the U.S. action crushed the last hope for Gaza’s survival and pushed the region further into despair. Similarly, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's permanent representative to the UN, condemned the U.S. decision as \"shocking\" and criticized its consistent obstruction of UNSC efforts to address the crisis in Gaza.
The U.S. veto has intensified the ongoing peace stalemate, leaving Gaza's humanitarian crisis unresolved and prolonging the suffering of its residents.
Reference(s):
U.S. vetoes UNSC ceasefire resolution: Gaza crisis and peace stalemate
cgtn.com
