US blocks Gaza ceasefire resolution

December 9, 2023
1 min read
A man pushes his bike along the rubble landscape in Dair El-Balah in the center of the Gaza Strip Photo: Omar Ashtawy / APAimages / IMAGO

Der Spiegel: The United Nations Security Council’s draft resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza conflict was blocked by the United States’ veto. The resolution, proposed by the United Arab Emirates, received support from 13 of the 15 members, but the U.S. vetoed it, while the UK abstained. This isn’t the first time the U.S. has blocked similar initiatives, citing concerns that such resolutions could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts on the ground. The U.S. has consistently supported Israel in these matters.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged the Security Council to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire, referencing Article 99 of the UN Charter, a provision rarely invoked, that allows the Secretary-General to bring to the Council’s attention any matter which may threaten international peace and security.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Since the deadliest attack in Israel’s history by Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7, Israel has been targeting Gaza, resulting in over 17,400 deaths, according to the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry. Israel’s military tactics, leading to high civilian casualties, have faced criticism. A ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the USA, expired last week.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports a critical humanitarian situation in Gaza, with the basic supply for the Palestinian civilian population at the brink of collapse. WFP’s Deputy Director Carl Skau, after visiting Gaza, highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire, pointing out the severe food shortages and hunger faced by the population.

The entire article can be read at the link https://www.spiegel.de/ausland/israel-gaza-krieg-usa-blockieren-resolution-im-uno-sicherheitsrat-a-cb588a5c-689e-4c81-924c-f4540e146c87

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