US Casts Sole UN Security Council Vote against Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The US stands unequivocally as the solitary dissenting voice amidst a call for a UN Security Council resolution advocating a humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza conflict, even as concerns escalate over the mounting toll on civilian lives in the enclave.
Thirteen member states voted in favor of the resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates in New York on Friday. The UK abstained, leaving Washington diplomatically isolated in blocking the measure.
“What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?” asked Deputy UAE UN Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab. “Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?”
Friday’s vote came after UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres warned the Security Council of an impending “humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza using Article 99, a rarely used provision in the UN charter. He emphasized the severe risk of collapse facing Gaza’s humanitarian support net.
More than 17,000 Palestinians have been killed and 1.9 million people displaced since the war began in October.
US officials opposed a general ceasefire, saying it would assist the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas' grip on power in Gaza. A recent ceasefire allowed the release of hostages and the influx of humanitarian supplies.
The US mission to the UN criticized the resolution as “divorced from reality” and likely to sow seeds for future conflicts.
