Hamas has condemned the United States for its use of veto power against a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for humanitarian reasons.
A senior Hamas official described America’s obstruction of the ceasefire resolution as a direct involvement in the continuation of massacres and ethnic cleansing in the region. Hamas views Washington’s stance as both unethical and inhumane, with political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stating that America’s actions directly contribute to the killing of Palestinians and the perpetration of further massacres and ethnic cleansing.
The United Nations Security Council recently failed to adopt a resolution demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, largely due to a veto by the United States. The resolution, which was put forward by the United Arab Emirates, received significant support with 13 members voting in favor and the United Kingdom abstaining. Despite this, the US veto prevented its adoption.
The resolution was a response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza, which has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The draft resolution called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages, alongside a demand for warring parties to comply with their obligations under international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians in both Palestine and Israel.
Several nations expressed their views during the Security Council meeting. France, for example, supported the resolution but also wished the Council could have condemned the terrorist attacks by Hamas. The UK welcomed the humanitarian pause and the release of hostages but abstained from voting as the resolution did not deplore Hamas’ atrocities. China, one of the nearly 100 co-sponsors of the text, expressed deep disappointment at the veto.
This situation highlights the ongoing complexities and divisions within the Security Council regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with different member states holding varied perspectives on how best to address the crisis. The failure to adopt the resolution reflects these ongoing challenges in finding a unified approach to the conflict in Gaza.
