The United States has once again exercised its veto power, blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel conflict. The resolution, backed by approximately 90 countries and proposed by the United Arab Emirates, received 13 votes in favor, with Britain abstaining. The US veto, the second on Gaza-related resolutions, was justified by Deputy Permanent Representative Robert Wood, citing concerns of an "unsustainable ceasefire" and the resolution's failure to condemn the Hamas attack or affirm Israel's right to self-defense. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had previously invoked a rarely used provision, Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the Council to avert a "human catastrophe" in Gaza. The veto comes amid mounting global calls for a ceasefire, with President Joe Biden facing criticism for his unwavering support for Israel.
Key Points:
1. The United States has once again used its veto power to block a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Hamas-Israel conflict, despite an impassioned plea from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
2. The resolution, proposed by the United Arab Emirates and backed by about 90 countries, received 13 votes in favor, with Britain abstaining, but was vetoed by the US.
3. This marks the second time the US has vetoed a resolution on Gaza, highlighting diplomatic isolation, with an earlier resolution also being vetoed by Russia and China.
4. Last month, a resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the fighting was adopted by the Council, thanks to abstentions from the US, Russia, and Britain, preventing a veto after four failed attempts.
5. The Chief of the United Arab Emirates questioned the message sent to civilians globally when such resolutions couldn't pass, emphasizing the need for international action.
6. The US Deputy Permanent Representative justified the veto, citing the resolution's call for an "unsustainable ceasefire" and its failure to condemn Hamas attacks or affirm Israel's right to self-defense.
7. Secretary-General Guterres had invoked a rare provision of the UN Charter, urging the Council to avert a "human catastrophe" in Gaza, warning of a potential collapse of the humanitarian support system.
8. Guterres expressed concern over the consequences of the conflict, emphasizing the vulnerability of the people of Gaza and condemning both Hamas attacks and the collective punishment of Palestinians by Israel.
9. Israel's Permanent Representative criticized Guterres for selectively invoking the UN Charter, emphasizing the need to eliminate Hamas for regional stability.
10. The US President, Joe Biden, faces calls for a ceasefire from various quarters, and the Biden administration is advising Israel to take more precautions to protect civilians amid growing criticism of its unwavering support for Israel in the conflict.
(With Agency Inputs)
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