United States blocks UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate halt to hostilities in Gaza and the swift liberation of captives
The United Nations' most powerful body, the Security Council, held its 10,001st meeting, where a resolution concerning the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was brought to the table. This meeting took place just days before the annual gathering of world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly.
The resolution expressed 'deep alarm' after a report revealed that Gaza City has been gripped by famine, and it's likely to spread across the territory without a ceasefire and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid. The resolution also described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as 'catastrophic.'
The drafted resolution, which was presented by the council's 10 elected members who serve two-year terms, demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas and other militant groups, and called upon Israel to lift all restrictions on the delivery of aid to the 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza.
The vote on the resolution saw 14 members in favour, with the U.S. being the only one to veto it. This outcome further highlights the U.S. and Israeli isolation on the world stage over the nearly two-year war in Gaza.
Prior to the vote, a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about half of Americans believe the Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip has 'gone too far.' However, Americans are less likely to prioritize negotiating a ceasefire as a high priority for the U.S. government compared to when the U.S. was holding ceasefire talks with Hamas.
Before a UN resolution is adopted, formal requirements must be met, including the competence of the deciding body, the presence of the necessary quorum, adherence to notification deadlines, proper recording, and, if applicable, publication and announcement of the resolution. The vote on the resolution took place during the 10,000th meeting of the Security Council.
In a separate development, a team of independent experts commissioned by the U.N. Human Rights Council concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This accusation, while not directly addressed in the Security Council resolution, adds to the international pressure on Israel to end the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
As the conflict continues, Israeli forces have initiated a new ground offensive in Gaza City, further escalating the conflict and pushing any ceasefire further out of reach. The international community will continue to watch closely as the situation unfolds, with the U.N. General Assembly set to discuss Gaza extensively in the coming days.
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