Israel-Gaza war: US vetoes UN Security Council demand for immediate ceasefire

The move to block the draft resolution – supported by 13 Security Council members – leaves Washington diplomatically isolated

The vote came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a rare move to formally warn the 15-member council of a global threat from the war

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A displaced Palestinian boy, who fled his family house due to Israeli strikes, looks through the cover of a tent at a camp sheltering displaced people in Rafah on Friday. Photo: Reuters

Published: 5:31am, 9 Dec 2023Updated: 6:03am, 9 Dec 2023

The United States on Friday vetoed a United Nations Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, diplomatically isolating Washington as it shields its ally.

Thirteen Security Council members voted in favour of a brief draft resolution, put forward by the United Arab Emirates, while Britain abstained.

The vote came after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made a rare move on Wednesday to formally warn the 15-member council of a global threat from the two-month-long war.

“It’s not an issue about isolation. It’s an issue about what we think is best to try to end this conflict as soon as possible and also to help facilitate more humanitarian assistance going into Gaza,” Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood told reporters ahead of the vote.

“We can’t just snap our fingers and the conflict stops. This is a very, very difficult situation,” he said.

Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to the hospital in Deir al Balah on Friday. Photo: AP

The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire because they believe it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas in a deadly October 7 attack on Israel.