US vetoes UN Security Council resolution on Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian aid
The United States has vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid in the territory.
Ten nonpermanent members of the Security Council submitted the draft resolution on Wednesday. It called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the release of all the remaining hostages and the resumption of full-scale deliveries of humanitarian aid.
Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar is the coordinator for the Council's ten elected members. He said the Council must act urgently and decisively to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea pushed back by saying that the resolution would undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and unjustly reward Hamas.
Fourteen of the 15 members of the Security Council voted in favor of the resolution. It was the first time that the US used its veto power since President Donald Trump took office.
Many of the countries condemned the US for voting against the resolution. They said the US move will endanger the lives of over 2 million starving Palestinians.
The Security Council has been facing growing criticism, as it has failed to come up with effective measures to deal with the prolonged conflict.
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