14-1: US vetoes UN Security Council's Gaza ceasefire resolution as crisis deepens
The United States on Wednesday cast the lone vote against a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution demanding an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire' in Gaza, blocking the measure as the humanitarian crisis deepens in the war-torn enclave.The draft resolution, which also called for unrestricted humanitarian aid access across Gaza, received support from the other 14 members of the council, a striking show of global consensus. But the US, wielding its veto power, halted its passage.advertisement"The United States has been clear: We would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza," Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the council before the vote, arguing that it would also undermine US-led efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The veto underscores Washington's steadfast support for Israel, its closest ally and largest military aid recipient in the Middle East, even as pressure mounts internationally to halt the war.The Security Council vote came as Israel pushes ahead with an offensive in Gaza after ending a two-month truce in March. Gaza health authorities said Israeli strikes killed 45 people on Wednesday, while Israel said a soldier died in fighting.More than 2 million people remain trapped in the densely populated strip, with famine looming and essential supplies critically low — despite Israel lifting an 11-week blockade last month.advertisement'We want peace, but peace cannot mean letting Hamas regroup and rearm,' Shea said. 'This resolution did not meet that threshold.'Israel has rejected calls for an unconditional or permanent ceasefire, saying Hamas cannot stay in Gaza. Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the council members who voted in favor of the draft: "You chose appeasement and submission. You chose a road that does not lead to peace. Only to more terror."Hamas condemned the US veto, describing it as showing "the US administration's blind bias" towards Israel.The draft Security Council resolution had also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and others.Trending Reel
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