The United States on Thursday (Sep 18) once again vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, blocking international efforts to pressure Israel to end its military offensive.

All 14 other Council members voted in favor of the resolution, which was initiated in August following the UN’s declaration of famine in Gaza after nearly two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

The draft resolution demanded an “immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire respected by all parties,” as well as the unconditional release of hostages.

Despite mounting global concern, Washington has repeatedly shielded Israel from binding UN measures, having used its veto on similar resolutions earlier this year, most recently in June.

Denmark’s UN ambassador Christina Lassen said ahead of the vote:

“Let this resolution send a clear message, a message that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on the hostages and the demand for a ceasefire. A generation risks being lost not only to war — but to hunger and despair.”

As the Council debated, Israeli tanks and warplanes intensified strikes on Gaza City, forcing more Palestinians to flee south amid a new ground offensive.

Pakistan’s ambassador Asim Ahmad called the US veto a “dark moment in this chamber,” saying:

“The world is watching. The cries of children should pierce our hearts.”

“Genocide” Allegations

This latest veto follows growing international criticism of Israel’s campaign. On Tuesday, a UN-mandated investigative commission issued its first independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to “destroy” the Palestinian people.

The issue is expected to dominate next week’s annual UN General Assembly summit in New York.

Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon strongly rejected the resolution, accusing Council members of ignoring Hamas’s role in sparking the conflict.

“For some members of the Council, this is a performance. For Israel, this is a daily reality. The proposal was presented without condemnation of Hamas, without condemnation of the Oct. 7 massacre,” Danon said.

Algeria’s ambassador Amar Bendjama, in a deeply emotional address, appealed to Palestinians directly:

“Forgive us because this Council could not save your children. Our sincere efforts have been shattered against the wall of rejection.”

Source: CNA | Agencies