Palestinian man Moein Abu Odeh searches for clothes through the rubble of a house destroyed in the Israeli military offensive, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, November 18, 2024. REUTERS/Hussam Al-Masri
The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that demanded an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent” ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as Israel’s military offensive against the Palestinian territory continues.
In a vote held Wednesday morning, the US stood alone in opposing the measure, with all 14 other members of the council voting in favor. The resolution also called for the release of hostages held in Gaza but faced resistance from Washington over its insistence on an “unconditional” ceasefire.
Robert Wood, the deputy US envoy to the UN, explained the decision during the session in New York. “We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages,” Wood said. “A durable end to the war must come with the release of the hostages. These two urgent goals are inextricably linked. This resolution abandoned that necessity, and for that reason, the United States could not support it.”
This marks the fourth time that President Joe Biden’s administration has vetoed a UNSC resolution calling for an end to the war in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign in October last year.
The conflict has had devastating consequences, with nearly 44,000 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes. The bombardment has also triggered a dire humanitarian crisis in the densely populated coastal territory.
Biden, a strong supporter of Israel, has faced mounting criticism from human rights advocates for his administration’s unwavering backing of Israel. Critics have also condemned the refusal to condition US aid on measures to protect civilians.
The US currently provides Israel with at least $3.8 billion in annual military assistance, and the Biden administration has authorized an additional $14 billion in aid since the conflict began.
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