U.S. Vetoes UN resolution Demanding Gaza Ceasefire as Israeli Forces Advance on Gaza city
United Nations – The United states on Thursday vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, as israeli forces expanded their military operation in Gaza City, intensifying civilian suffering. The resolution,drafted by the 10 elected members of the 15-member council,also demanded Israel lift all restrictions on aid deliveries to the palestinian enclave and the immediate,dignified,and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups.
Fourteen nations voted in favor of the resolution. This marks the sixth time the U.S. has cast a veto regarding the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas militants.
The veto came as famine has been confirmed in Gaza, according to Denmark’s UN ambassador Christina Markus Lassen, who addressed the council prior to the vote. “Famine has been confirmed in Gaza – not projected, not declared, confirmed,” she stated.Lassen further emphasized the escalating humanitarian crisis, noting Israel’s expanded military operation in Gaza City was ”further deepening the suffering of civilians” and that the situation represented “this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure” that compelled the council to act.
The conflict began following hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel,which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 240 hostages.Since then, Israel’s military response has killed over 32,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
– Reuters
