US set to veto UN Security Council demand for Gaza ceasefire, Axios reports
The U.S. mission to the U.N. on Tuesday said it would not preview actions under consideration. Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in Gaza
The 15-nation council will vote on a text – put forward by 10 members – that also demands aid access across the Palestinian enclave, where experts say famine looms and aid has only trickled in since Israel lifted an 11-week blockade on May 19.
By Nidal al-Mughrabi, Crispian Balmer and Michelle Nichols CAIRO/JERUSALEM/UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -The United States has told its ally Israel that it will veto on Wednesday a United Nations Security Council demand for an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire' between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza, Axios reported.
The vote comes as no aid was distributed by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation on Wednesday as it pressed Israel's military to boost civilian safety beyond the perimeter of its so-called secure distribution sites after a deadly incident.
The GHF said it has asked the Israeli military to 'guide foot traffic in a way that minimizes confusion or escalation risks' near military positions; develop clearer guidance for civilians; and enhance training to support civilian safety.
Hospital officials have said more than 80 people were shot dead and hundreds wounded near distribution points in a three-day period from Sunday, including at least 27 killed on Tuesday.
Locals said Israeli soldiers opened fire on the crowd on Tuesday that massed before dawn to seek food. The military has denied this, but acknowledged that troops fired at 'suspects' who ignored warning shots and were approaching their lines.
'Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and dignity of civilians receiving aid,' said a GHF spokesperson.
The new aid distribution process for Gaza's two million-plus population from just three sites was launched in the midst of a fierce new offensive by Israel since late last month. The U.N. and other aid groups say the model, which uses private U.S. security and logistics workers, militarises aid.
'DELAYS AND DENIALS'
Violence continued to pummel the enclave.
Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes had killed at least 45 Palestinians on Wednesday.
Israel announced that one of its soldiers had died in the fighting after three deaths reported a day earlier, as its forces continued their battle to eliminate Hamas militants and free the remaining hostages still held in Gaza.
Ahead of the U.N. Security Council vote, U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher again appealed for the U.N. and aid groups to be allowed to assist people in Gaza, stressing that they have a plan, supplies and experience.
'Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren't held up by delays and denials,' Fletcher said in a statement.
Experts say Gaza's entire population is at risk of famine despite successive efforts to boost aid. Jordan last year spearheaded humanitarian air drops, while the U.S. briefly installed a floating aid pier, but it was beset by challenges.
The U.N. has long-blamed Israel and lawlessness in the enclave for hindering the delivery of aid into Gaza and its distribution throughout the war zone. Israel accuses Hamas of stealing aid, which the group denies.
The newly created GHF said on Tuesday that it distributed more than seven million meals since it started operations a week ago. GHF Interim Executive Director John Acree urged humanitarians in Gaza: 'Work with us and we will get your aid delivered to those who are depending on it.'
The war in Gaza has raged since 2023 after Hamas militants killed 1,200 people in Israel in an October 7 attack and took some 250 hostages back to the enclave, according to Israeli tallies. Many of those killed or captured were civilians.
Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. They do not distinguish between fighters and non-combatants but say civilians have borne the brunt of the attacks and that thousands more bodies have been lost under rubble.
(Writing by Michelle Nichols and Crispian Balmer; Editing by Stephen Coates, Philippa Fletcher and Cynthia Osterman)
Disclaimer: This report is auto generated from the Reuters news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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