US again vetoes UN Security Council’s Gaza ceasefire call
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Deputy US Special Envoy to the Middle East Morgan Ortagus casting a veto at the UN Security Council meeting on Sept 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Follow topic:
- The US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, citing concerns it wouldn't free hostages.
- All 14 other Security Council members supported the resolution, highlighting growing global frustration with the situation in Gaza.
- The veto occurred amid an Israeli offensive in Gaza City, with the UN accusing Israel of "genocide" since October 2023 (AFP).
AI generated
UNITED NATIONS, United States – The US on Sept 18 again wielded its veto and thwarted a UN Security Council call for a ceasefire in Gaza, shielding its ally Israel from meaningful diplomatic pressure.
The 14 other members of the council backed the resolution, initiated in August in response to the UN’s official declaration of famine after nearly two years of Israel’s war on Hamas in the Palestinian territory.
The vote came as Israeli tanks and jets pounded Gaza City,
The resolution text, seen by AFP, demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties”, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
The US has repeatedly rejected that approach multiple times, most recently in June, when it used its veto to back Israel.
“Let this resolution send a clear message, a message that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on the hostages and the demand for a ceasefire,” Denmark’s UN Ambassador Christina Lassen said ahead of the vote.
“A generation risks being lost not only to war – but (also) to hunger and despair. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians as a result,” she added.
“It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure, that has compelled us to act today.”
Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Ahmad called the veto a “dark moment in this chamber”.
“The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts,” he said.
‘Genocide’ accusation
The previous US veto sparked an unusual show of anger from the 14 other members of the council, who are increasingly vocal in their frustration over their apparent inability to pressure Israel to stop the suffering of Gaza’s inhabitants.
For the first time, on Sept 16, a UN-mandated international investigative commission gave its independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to “destroy” the Palestinians.
The issue will be central to next week’s annual UN summit in New York.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon condemned the resolution, saying that “for some members of the council, this is a performance. For Israel, this is a daily reality. The proposal was presented without condemnation of Hamas, without condemnation of the Oct 7 massacre”.
He sparred repeatedly with Algeria’s UN Ambassador Amar Bendjama, who asked Palestinian people to “forgive us because this council could not save your children... our sincere efforts, shattered against the wall of rejection”. AFP
UN Security Council members voting on a draft resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza on Sept 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
