US Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza
United Nations, NY – February 20,โ 2024 – The United States on Tuesday vetoed a United nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, halting international efforts to halt theโค ongoing Israeli offensive. This marks the third time the US has blocked such a measureโฃ since the conflict began following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
The โขresolution, put forward by Algeria, garnered support from 13 ofโ theโ 15 Security Council members, โwithโข the United Kingdom abstaining. The US veto underscores the deepening divisions within the international community โฃover how to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the future of the conflict. โขThe stakes are immense, as over 64,000 Palestinians, predominantly โฃcivilians, have beenโ reported killed by local health authorities in Gaza since the start of the war. Thisโ action occurs โขamidst growing international pressure โfor a cessation of hostilities โขand increased concerns over the potential for a wider regional conflict.
The conflict was ignited on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an โattack on โขIsrael, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, the majority ofโฃ whom were civilians.Approximately 251 individuals were also taken hostage during the incursion, according โto Israeli counts. Following the attack,โ Israel launchedโค a large-scale military operation in Gaza, vowing to dismantle Hamas. โข
US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that while the US supports a lasting โpeace, theyโค believe a ceasefire โwould only benefit Hamas and allow the group to regroup and continue attacks.The US has instead advocated for a temporary pause in fighting to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid โขand the release of hostages.
