Editorial | Israel-Gaza war: put aside differences in the name of peace
- Heartbreaking scenes from the Israel-Gaza war only underscore the urgent need for the world to set itself a common goal
Global divisions continue to fracture what should be a unified front to stop the cycle of bloodshed in the Middle East. The latest evidence was there for all to see at the UN Security Council this week.
On Wednesday, the United States blocked a resolution calling for “pauses” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The Brazil-drafted resolution condemned violence against civilians and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
The US vetoed the measure, saying it “made no mention of Israel’s rights of self-defence”. There were 12 supporting votes, including notably China, France and the United Arab Emirates, but Russia and Britain abstained.
Earlier in the week, a call for a “humanitarian ceasefire” was voted down by the US, Britain, France and Japan. They said the resolution brought by Russia did not mention Hamas.
The vetoes of permanent members are frequently used and often tied to complex geopolitics.