US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution for Gaza Ceasefire
Only the US voted against, using its veto as a permanent council member to block the resolution.
New York, November 20, 2024: The United States on Wednesday, vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in Gaza.
This marks the fifth instance since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023 that the US has blocked such a resolution, with only one dissenting vote from Washington while all other council members expressed support.
The resolution aimed to address the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where nearly 44,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives since Israel intensified military operations following a Hamas attack on October 7. The ongoing violence has led to widespread destruction, displacement, and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
US Deputy Envoy to the UN Robert Wood defended the veto, asserting that the resolution lacked essential provisions for the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas.
“Any ceasefire must be contingent upon the release of hostages,” Wood stated. He argued that an unconditional ceasefire would embolden Hamas and undermine ongoing negotiations.
The US veto has sparked widespread condemnation from various international actors.
The Palestinian mission to the UN described the decision as a “moral and political failure,” emphasizing the urgent need for a ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have criticized the US stance as complicity in what they term genocide against Palestinians.
As the conflict continues to escalate, concerns grow over the long-term implications of the US’s unilateral actions within the Security Council.
Observers warn that this may further isolate Washington diplomatically and complicate future efforts to mediate peace in the region.
The international community remains divided on how to address the crisis, with calls for renewed dialogue and humanitarian assistance intensifying as civilian casualties mount.
