Wed Nov 20 15:58:56 UTC 2024: ## US Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution for Gaza, Citing Hamas Emboldenment

**United Nations, NY** – The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution Wednesday calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The US argued that the resolution’s wording, which also demanded the immediate release of all hostages, would embolden Hamas and hinder negotiations.

The resolution, backed by several other Security Council members, faced strong opposition from Israel, with its UN ambassador calling it a “betrayal.” A senior US official stated that the resolution lacked a crucial linkage between a ceasefire and the release of hostages, a position the US has maintained throughout the conflict.

The war, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7th, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Israeli officials report over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, while Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry cites over 43,000 deaths, also largely civilians. The UN considers these figures reliable. Hundreds of hostages remain in Gaza. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced.

The Security Council has been deeply divided throughout the conflict, with the US employing its veto power multiple times. While the US allowed some resolutions to pass by abstaining, these fell short of demanding an unconditional ceasefire. The US claims that Russia influenced other nations in pushing the latest resolution. The US envoy expressed regret that a compromise proposal wasn’t adopted.

Despite the veto, some diplomats remain optimistic that a shift in US policy might occur before President Biden leaves office, hoping for a repeat of 2016 when the Obama administration refrained from vetoing a resolution concerning Israeli settlements.

The vetoed resolution also called for unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza and condemned attempts to starve the Palestinian population. The Palestinian delegation expressed disappointment, with Ambassador Riyad Mansour warning that Gaza’s fate will have lasting global consequences and urging a Chapter 7 resolution – which would allow the council to enforce its decisions through measures like sanctions. However, the vetoed text lacked such a provision.

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