Israel-Hamas War: In a move that further distanced Washington diplomatically as it defends its ally, the US vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Gaza calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
More than 90 member states supported the resolution, which was proposed by the United Arab Emirates. 13 members of the UNSC voted in favour of the resolution, while the UK abstained from voting.
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"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?" Deputy UAE UN Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council, news agency Reuters quoted.
A ceasefire is opposed by Israel and the United States because they think it will only help Hamas. Instead, Washington is in favour of military truces that shield civilians and permit the release of hostages that Hamas kidnapped during a deadly October 7 attack on Israel.
Israel launched an offensive against Hamas in Gaza in the aftermath of the October 7 assault. (Image credit: Reuters)
Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood told the council that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."
"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," Wood said as quoted by Reuters.
Israel launched a ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza from the air in the aftermath of the October 7 assault on southern Israel, which claimed about 1,200 lives, the majority of whom were civilians. Israel's bombardment forced the majority of the Palestinian enclave's 2.3 million people to leave their homes.
Cease-fire that started between Israel and Hamas on November 24 extended twice. Recently, Israel said the truce could continue as long as Hamas freed ten hostages per day. However, the negotiators were unable to devise a strategy to release further hostages after seven days, according to news agency Reuters.
(With Inputs From Agencies)