U.S. Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Gaza Ceasefire

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The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, drawing sharp criticism for once again blocking international efforts to end the 13-month conflict. The resolution, proposed by 10 non-permanent members of the 15-member council, called for an "immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire" and demanded the release of Israeli prisoners held by Hamas.

The U.S. exercised its veto power as a permanent member, preventing the resolution from passing. Deputy U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Robert Wood, stated that Washington would only support a resolution that explicitly calls for the immediate release of prisoners as part of a ceasefire. He argued that the proposed resolution would send a "dangerous message" to Hamas, signaling that there was "no need to come back to the negotiating table."

The decision to veto the resolution sparked widespread condemnation. Malta's UN Ambassador Vanessa Frazier expressed regret, stating that the veto had once again prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its responsibility to maintain international peace and security. She emphasized that the resolution represented the "bare minimum" necessary to address the urgent situation on the ground in Gaza.

The U.S. has been a strong diplomatic ally of Israel, continuing to provide arms and support despite mounting criticism over the high civilian toll in Gaza, where nearly 44,000 people have been killed. President Joe Biden, while attempting to broker ceasefire talks, has consistently backed Israel, leading to tensions with other members of the Security Council.

Several countries, including China and France, condemned the U.S. veto. China's Ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, accused the U.S. of prolonging the conflict by blocking the resolution, stating that each veto has coincided with a rise in the death toll in Gaza. France's Ambassador Nicolas de Riviere pointed out that the rejected resolution "firmly" called for the release of Israeli prisoners.

Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, defended the U.S. position, labeling the resolution a "resolution for appeasement" of Hamas, rather than one aimed at achieving peace.

The veto marks another setback in efforts to secure a ceasefire and end the violence that has devastated Gaza for more than a year.