US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Demanding Gaza Cease-Fire Linked to Hostage Release

The United States recently vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution was not tied to the release of hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023. Despite 14 out of 15 council members, including allies like Britain and France, voting in favour, the US veto prevented its adoption.

US Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood expressed regret over the veto, stating that efforts were made to avoid it. He emphasised that the US could not support a ceasefire without the release of hostages. "We made clear throughout negotiations we could not support an unconditional cease-fire that failed to release the hostages," he said.

Palestinian Reaction and Casualties

Palestinian Deputy UN Ambassador Majed Bamya voiced anger over the veto, highlighting the ongoing conflict's toll. According to Gaza's health ministry, over 43,000 Palestinians have died, and much of the area is devastated. Bamya stressed that a ceasefire could save lives and questioned the right to kill versus the right to die.

Bamya accused Israel of attempting to annihilate a nation and destroy its people. He urged council members to recognise the dire situation faced by Palestinians. The absence of a ceasefire allows continued Israeli assaults on Palestinian land and people.

Israeli Perspective and US Support

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon argued that the resolution would lead to more terror and bloodshed. He thanked the US for its veto, stating it stood for morality and justice by refusing to abandon hostages. Danon blamed Hamas for the ongoing suffering in Gaza and insisted that Gaza's future lies without Hamas.

Hamas condemned the US veto, accusing it of complicity in aggression against Palestinians. They demanded an end to what they termed a hostile policy if peace and stability are truly sought in the region. This statement referenced President-elect Donald Trump's pledge to end the war.

Previous Resolutions and Future Plans

The Security Council has passed several resolutions on Gaza, including calls for ceasefires during Ramadan and demands for humanitarian access. The US, Russia, and China have previously vetoed resolutions related to this conflict. In June, a US-backed resolution proposed a ceasefire plan accepted by Israel but not by Hamas.

The Palestinian deputy ambassador claimed Israel never intended to accept a ceasefire. The 10 elected council members supported a June resolution expecting swift implementation but later pushed for an unconditional ceasefire without time limits. They stressed that hostilities must end immediately.

Algeria's UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama criticised Israel's perceived immunity following the veto. He vowed that elected members would pursue stronger resolutions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which allows military enforcement until action is taken by the council.

Despite setbacks, efforts continue to address hostilities in Gaza through diplomatic channels at the United Nations.