US Veto Blocks UN Resolution for Humanitarian Pause in Gaza

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A draft resolution proposed by Brazil in the UN Security Council has been vetoed by the United States. The resolution, which called for a humanitarian pause in the conflict-ravaged Gaza, was approved by 12 of the 15 council members. However, the US, along with the UK and Russia, abstained from the vote, leading to its failure.

Resolution Seeks Civilian Protection in Gaza

The resolution aimed to condemn the October 7 terror attacks by Hamas in Israel, which led to the loss of over 1,400 lives. It also urged for the release of hostages and compliance with international law by all parties to protect civilian lives. A key point of the resolution was the call for “humanitarian pauses” in the fighting to allow for aid delivery.

US, UK Raise Concerns Over Israel’s Right to Self-defense

US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that the US had wanted more time for American diplomacy to “play out.” She also criticized the resolution for not mentioning Israel’s right to self-defense, a point later echoed by the British representative Barbara Woodward.

Humanitarian Crisis Looms in Gaza

Since the Hamas attacks, Israel has been retaliating fiercely, cutting off supplies of basic necessities to the 2 million civilians in Hamas-controlled Gaza. Over 3,000 people, including more than 1,000 children and dozens of aid workers, have died due to the Israeli airstrikes. UN experts warn of a widespread disaster unless water and electricity are restored.

International Disappointment at Failure to Adopt Resolution

Several members of the Security Council expressed frustration over the failure to adopt the resolution, including the French representative Nicolas de Rivière, who regretted the text’s rejection. The United Arab Emirates’ ambassador Lana Nusseibah, while acknowledging the resolution was not a “perfect text”, expressed hope that US diplomatic efforts would help lead the region away from the brink.

The Power of Veto in the UN Security Council

The veto power held by each of the five permanent members of the Security Council often hampers the UN’s most powerful body. Recent draft resolutions concerning Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine have also met with the same fate due to Russian vetoes.