Resolution demanding ceasefire is vetoed by US

IE United States once again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Thursday that had demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages after saying that the effort did not go far enough in condemning Hamas.

- ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTERS

All 14 other members of the United Nations’ most powerful body voted in favour of the resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and called on Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in the territory.

“Colleagues, US opposition to this resolution will come as no surprise?” Morgan Ortagus, a senior US policy adviser, said before the vote took place. “It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it wrongly legitimises the false narratives benefiting Hamas, which have sadly found currency in this council.”

She added that other council members “ignored” US warnings about the “unacceptable” language and instead adopted “performative — action designed to draw a veto”.

The outcome further highlights US and Israeli isolation on the world stage regarding the nearly two-year war in Gaza.

The vote came just days ahead of the annual gathering of world leaders at the UN General Assembly, where Gaza will be a main topic and where major US allies are expected to recognise an independent Palestinian state.

It is a largely symbolic move that is vehemently opposed by Israel and the US, dividing the Trump administration from close allies, including the UK and France.