United States Vetoes Third U.N. Resolution For Ceasefire Between Israel And Hamas

The United States has once again vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza region.

The United States vetoed the draft for the third U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. It is a third attempt at blocking a ceasefire in the region. The U.S. is instead pushing for a negotiation for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Thirteen Security Council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted resolution. Britain abstained from voting. It is the third time the United States has vetoed a ceasefire resolution since the beginning of the conflict on October 7. The United States also vetoed drafting resolutions in December 2023.

Algerian United Nations Ambassador Amar Bendjama states that a vote in favour of the resolutions ensures that Palestinians have a right to life while voting against these resolutions perpetuates the violence inflicted upon them.

United States U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield signalled earlier that the U.S. would veto the resolution. It is in fear that voting in favour would jeopardise the talks between the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. These talks would discuss the negotiation and release of hostages held by Hamas.

Thomas-Greenfield also commented that an immediate and unconditional ceasefire does not guarantee the release of hostages. Instead, it could lead to further fighting between Israel and Hamas.

The Algerian-drafted resolution did not include a clause demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas. Instead, the resolution demanded an immediate, unconditional ceasefire and hostage release separately.

Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour states that vetoing the resolution has permitted Israel to continue committing crimes against Gaza. Meanwhile, the Israeli U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erban states that the word “ceasefire” is being thrown around like a silver bullet or a magical solution to current problems.

Erdan continues to state that a ceasefire will only ensure Hamas’ survival. Hence, a ceasefire will be a death sentence for countless more Israelis and Gazans.

The United States has proposed a rival resolution calling for a temporary ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and also opposing Israel’s offensive attack against Rafah in Gaza. The proposal also allegedly states that this plan will allow for negotiations and not pressure anyone to vote. 

Washington has opposed agreeing to a ceasefire. However, the rival proposal aligns with the recent statements made by President Joe Biden to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

It is the second time Washington has issued a resolution to the Security Council since October 7. Previously, Russia and China had vetoed this resolution.

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Alefiyah BadaniNews Writer

Alefiyah Badani, hailing from Mumbai and a graduate of 2023, brings with her a background in journalism, enriched by several internships. Eager to hone her craft further, she seeks opportunities that will augment her skill set and refine her abilities in the field.

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