In a striking diplomatic move, the United States exercised its veto power at the United Nations, blocking a resolution for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza.
The vote in the 15-member Security Council resulted in a rare 13-1 outcome, with the United Kingdom abstaining.
The U.S. stance has widened the rift between Washington and some of its closest allies, particularly concerning Israel’s prolonged bombardment of Gaza, which has entered its third month.
International Outcry as Arab Diplomats Seek U.S. Support in Vain:
Despite widespread international support and the backing of most Security Council members, the U.S. veto prompted expressions of disappointment and concern.
Arab diplomats, including those from Egypt, Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, held discussions in Washington to persuade the Biden administration to reconsider its opposition to a cease-fire. However, their meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken occurred after the U.N. vote.
U.S. Justification and Global Response:
U.S. Deputy Ambassador Robert Wood defended the veto, labeling the resolution “imbalanced” and highlighting the Security Council’s failure to condemn Hamas’ attack on Israel.
He argued that an immediate cease-fire would allow Hamas to maintain control in Gaza and potentially lead to future conflicts.
The international community expressed disappointment, with diplomats from France, Japan, and other nations lamenting the lack of unity and urging immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
U.N. Chief Warns of “Humanitarian Catastrophe” in Gaza:
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, invoking Article 99 of the U.N. Charter, expressed deep concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
He warned of a potential “complete breakdown of public order” and urged the Security Council to demand a humanitarian cease-fire.
Guterres stressed the dire situation in Gaza, emphasizing the extensive damage to infrastructure, displacement of the population, and the urgent need for international intervention.
U.S. Accused of Complicity in War Crimes:
Russia’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyansky condemned the U.S. veto as one of the darkest days in the history of the Middle East.
He accused the United States of issuing a “death sentence” to thousands of civilians in Palestine and Israel, labeling it a form of complicity in war crimes.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, criticized the U.S. for supplying munitions to Israel and warned of potential complicity in atrocities committed during the conflict.
