US Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution Amid Gaza Crisis

The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, despite widespread international condemnation.

This marks the fifth time the US has blocked a council resolution on the besieged Strip since the war broke out in October 2023. The resolution, put forward by 10 countries on the 15-member council, also demanded the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza and the entry of aid.

US Isolation on the Global Stage

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, Marwan Bishara, noted that the US veto makes it “so isolated” on the issue, highlighting the growing divide between Washington’s support for Israel and mounting global criticism, including from close allies like the UK. The US stance has been met with strong opposition, with 14 out of 15 council members voting in favor of the ceasefire resolution.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The veto comes as Gaza faces a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster, with Israeli aerial attacks and military raids killing nearly 100 Palestinians in the past 24 hours alone. The enclave is also suffering from an acute blockade of aid, leaving millions of Palestinians in dire need of food, medicine, water, and other necessities.

UN aid chief Tom Fletcher has appealed for the UN and aid groups to be allowed to assist people in Gaza, stressing that they have a plan, supplies, and experience.

UN Aid Chief’s Plea

Fletcher emphasized the need for unhindered access to Gaza, stating, “Open the crossings – all of them. Let in lifesaving aid at scale, from all directions. Lift the restrictions on what and how much aid we can bring in. Ensure our convoys aren’t held up by delays and denials.” China’s Ambassador Fu Cong condemned Israel’s actions, saying they have “crossed every red line” of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN resolutions.

Recent Developments

In recent developments, at least 12 people were killed in Gaza by Israeli strikes, including three in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and six in south Gaza’s al-Mawasi. A ship launched by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, carrying humanitarian aid and featuring Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, is en route to Gaza.