Israel-Gaza war: US blocks ceasefire call with third UN veto, pushes rival draft resolution
- US vetoes draft resolution, saying it would interfere with negotiations on a deal to free Gaza hostages
- The veto provoked criticism from countries including China, which expressed ‘strong disappointment’
The United States on Tuesday again vetoed a draft United Nations Security Council resolution on the Israel-Gaza war, blocking a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes the 15-member body to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Thirteen council members voted in favour of the Algerian-drafted text, while Britain abstained.
It was the third US veto of a draft resolution since the start of the current fighting on October 7. Washington has also used its veto to block an amendment to draft resolution in December.
“A vote in favour of this draft resolution is support to the Palestinians right to life. Conversely, voting against it implies an endorsement of the brutal violence and collective punishment inflicted upon them,” Algeria’s UN ambassador Amar Bendjama told the council before the vote.
US ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield signalled on Saturday that the US would veto the draft resolution over concerns it could jeopardise talks between the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar that seek to broker a pause in the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.