US Veto of UN Resolution on Israel and Hamas Conflict Sparks International Response

Jakarta –

Uncle Sam’s country vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the conflict between Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. Veto United States (US) that was answered sharply by Russia.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres previously called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow the release of hostages and open access for humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip.

As reported Al Arabiya News and AFP, Thursday (19/10), the US in its explanation highlighted that the draft resolution submitted by Brazil did not recognize Israel’s right to defend itself. Voting on the draft resolution has been postponed twice in recent days, before being voted on on Wednesday (18/10).

The voting results showed that 12 countries out of a total of 15 member countries of the UN Security Council voted in favor of the resolution, which also condemned what was called a ‘heinous terrorist attack by Hamas‘. Two member states, Russia and the UK, abstained.

The US was the only member country to veto the resolution. This move shows that Washington has traditionally always protected its allies from any action from the UN Security Council.

“The United States is disappointed that this resolution does not mention Israel’s right to defend itself,” said US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield in her explanation after the vote was held.

In his response, Israel’s UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan thanked the US for vetoing the resolution, calling it a ‘very bad resolution’.

“Washington continues to support us in our time of need,” he said.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour warned at a UN Security Council forum that ‘killing more Palestinians will never make Israel safer’.

The draft resolution, which was vetoed by the US, also urges Israel – without naming the country – to revoke orders for civilians and UN staff in the Gaza Strip to immediately evacuate to the southern region.

It also stated that the draft resolution condemns all violence and hostility against civilians and all acts of terrorism, and calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

Russia’s Stunning Response

The Russian government criticized the veto given by the United States to a UN Security Council resolution that stipulated a ‘humanitarian pause’ in Hamas’ war against Israel so that aid could enter the Gaza Strip. Moscow said the veto would trigger ‘dire consequences’.

As reported AFP, Friday (20/10), 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council approved the resolution drafted and proposed by Brazil in a vote on Wednesday (18/10) local time. The resolution also condemned ‘heinous terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas’.

(rfs/rfs)

2023-10-20 15:08:41
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