The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza. The veto came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a global threat stemming from the two-month-long conflict. Thirteen Security Council members voted in favor of a brief draft resolution proposed by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained from voting.
Robert Wood, the deputy US ambassador to the UN, stated that while the US supports a durable peace between Israel and Palestine, they do not back an immediate ceasefire. Wood argues that such a move would only lay the groundwork for future conflicts, as Hamas has shown no desire for lasting peace or a two-state solution. Both the US and Israel oppose a ceasefire, believing it would solely benefit Hamas. Instead, Washington supports temporary pauses in fighting to protect civilians and secure the release of hostages taken by Hamas during a deadly attack on Israel in October.
The Security Council has previously called for temporary pauses in the fighting to facilitate humanitarian aid access to Gaza. However, these efforts have been largely unsuccessful, with the situation in Gaza rapidly deteriorating into what Guterres referred to as a “spiraling humanitarian nightmare.” The US has opted for its own diplomatic initiatives rather than relying solely on Security Council action. Their approach aims to secure the release of more hostages and push Israel to better protect civilians in its assault on Gaza.
Gaza has been heavily bombarded by Israel from the air, and a ground offensive has also been launched, leaving large areas of the territory in ruins. The UN reports that approximately 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, facing severe shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine, as well as the constant threat of disease. Guterres stated that there is currently no effective protection for civilians, and the people of Gaza are forced to move within increasingly smaller areas without the necessary resources for survival.
The rare use of Article 99 of the UN Charter by Guterres highlights the severity of the situation. The article allows the Secretary-General to bring attention to any matter that may threaten international peace and security. The last time this provision was invoked was in 1989, underscoring the gravity of the conflict in Gaza.
While the Security Council failed to adopt the resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi expressed concern, stating that it would effectively allow Israel to continue its “massacre” of Palestinians in Gaza. In response to the Israeli attacks, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a significant number of casualties, with dozens killed in various areas.
The US’s decision to veto the ceasefire resolution has drawn criticism from those advocating for an end to the violence. However, the US continues to pursue its own diplomatic efforts to address the conflict and protect civilians. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with no immediate end in sight for the ongoing war.
