US Rejects International Pleas for Humanitarian Ceasefire in Israel-Hamas Conflict

The draft resolution at the UN Security Council, calling for a humanitarian pause in the besieged Gaza, was vetoed by the United States. This action has led to further criticism of the political paralysis in the influential global organization. Proposed by Brazil, the concise resolution condemned the October 7 terror attacks in Israel by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people, and appealed for the release of hostages.

All parties are urged to adhere to international law and safeguard the lives of civilians in the Hamas-controlled Gaza, in the face of intense retaliation from Israeli warplanes. In order to facilitate the delivery of aid, the international community should facilitate "humanitarian pauses" during the conflict.

On Wednesday, the draft received approval from 12 out of the 15 members of the council, with the UK and Russia abstaining, and the US exercising its veto power.

Following the vote, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, expressed that the United States sought additional time for on-the-ground diplomatic efforts to unfold. The US had previously postponed the voting process regarding the resolution.

Thomas-Greenfield further voiced disapproval towards the text's omission of Israel's right to self-defense, a concern later echoed by British representative Barbara Woodward.

Following the Hamas attacks, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Gaza, which is under Hamas control. Additionally, it has severed the supply of essential provisions such as food, water, and electricity to the 2 million inhabitants of the enclave.

Tragically, the Israeli strikes have resulted in the loss of over 3,000 lives, including over 1,000 children and numerous aid workers. Experts from the United Nations are raising concerns about the potential for a widespread catastrophe if the access to water and electricity is not reinstated.

Negotiations have been ongoing for days among the US, Egypt, Israel, and the UN regarding the potential establishment of a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the delivery of aid into Gaza through the Rafah border crossing connecting to Egypt.

In New York, various Security Council members expressed their disappointment and frustration with the inability to reach a consensus on a joint statement emphasizing the significance of providing aid and ensuring the protection of civilians.

"Regrettably, the council once again failed to pass a resolution addressing these conflicts. Silence and inaction reigned supreme, much to everyone's detriment," commented UN Ambassador to Brazil Sergio Franca Danese in the wake of the veto.

According to French representative Nicolas de Rivière, the Security Council "squandered a chance" as he expressed his disappointment to the press post-voting.

"We express sincere regret over the rejection of this text," he stated.

"We firmly acknowledge Israel's legitimate right to self-defense. Furthermore, ensuring the safety of civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and advocating for the complete adherence to international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions – these objectives are entirely compatible. Essentially, this resolution aimed to address these concerns," he concluded.

Addressing the council, Lana Nusseibah, the United Arab Emirates ambassador, acknowledged that the resolution was not flawless; however, she emphasized that her country supported it due to its clear articulation of fundamental principles that the Council should reinforce and uphold. Additionally, she expressed optimism that the diplomatic endeavors of the United States in the region would guide all parties away from the precarious situation they were approaching.

The Security Council, although the most powerful organ of the UN, often faces obstacles due to the veto power wielded by its five permanent members. In the case of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, recent draft resolutions have been impeded by Russian veto actions. Furthermore, Russia's recent proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza aimed at humanitarian reasons also met with failure in passing.