NEW YORK – The United States on Thursday vetoed a resolution in the United Nations Security Council that called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid.
Fourteen of the 15 council members voted in favor of the resolution but the US veto prevented its adoption.
The resolution, presented by 10 countries, demanded an immediate end to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas and called for ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid.
Before the vote, acting US ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, addressed the council, stating that the US could not support any resolution that does not condemn Hamas or demand its disarmament and withdrawal from Gaza.
She said the resolution would harm the diplomatic efforts and embolden Hamas by ignoring the realities on the ground.
After the vote, Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea stated that anything that jeopardizes Israel’s security is unacceptable.
She further asserted that defeating Hamas and ensuring it does not become a threat again is Israel’s right.
“No one should be surprised by the American opposition,” she added.
Israel also opposes a permanent and unconditional ceasefire. Israeli officials state that as long as Hamas remains in Gaza, a ceasefire is not possible.
Israel resumed military operations after the end of a two-month ceasefire in March, saying that it wanted to recover hostages held by Hamas. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen.
According to Palestinian authorities, the Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday killed 45 Palestinians while the Israeli military reported the death of one of its soldiers in the fighting.
Since the lifting of an 11-week restriction on May 19, the supply of aid has been limited. However, famine fears persist in the besieged area with a population of over two million. The US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) did not distribute any aid on Wednesday. The foundation called on Israel to improve security measures for civilians around aid centers.
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