The resolution called for a prompt, unequivocal, and enduring ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group, as well as the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.Israel’s UN ambassador, Danny Danon, commented that the resolution should not be seen as a means to achieving peace, but rather as a guide leading to further acts of terror, increased suffering, and more bloodshed. Several of you endeavored to overcome this injustice. We express our gratitude to the United States for utilizing its veto power. Robert Wood, the deputy ambassador to the United Nations, mentioned that the US firmly believes in the necessity of a connection between a ceasefire and the liberation of hostages. The conflict was initiated by a Hamas militant attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the tragic loss of 1,206 lives, primarily innocent civilians, as reported by Israeli official data collected by AFP. Out of the 251 hostages taken during the October 7 assault, there are still 97 being held in Gaza, among them 34 individuals reportedly deceased according to the Israeli military. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2. 4 million residents have been forced to flee due to the devastating war, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis.Hamas criticized Washington for being involved as a “partner in the aggression against our people. “The individual engages in criminal acts, resulting in harm to innocent children and women, as well as causing destruction in the civilian population of Gaza.There is no justification.Since the conflict’s onset, the Security Council has faced challenges in achieving unanimity in its communication, with the United States exercising its veto power on multiple occasions, alongside actions taken by Russia and China.According to a U. S. official, China persistently requested for more assertive language, while also suggesting that Russia had been influencing the nations involved in pushing for the latest resolution.The United States allowed only a few resolutions to pass by abstaining, which did not go as far as calling for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire.In March, the council requested a temporary ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, yet unfortunately, this plea was disregarded by the conflicting parties.In June, the 15-member body expressed its commitment to a US resolution proposing a multi-stage ceasefire and hostage release plan, which unfortunately did not materialize.We are sorry to inform you that the Council could have included compromise language proposed by the UK to address the current discrepancies. Wood, the US envoy, mentioned after the vote that the resolution should have been adopted based on that language.Slovenia’s deputy ambassador to the UN, Ondina Blokar Drobic, expressed regret over the casting of the veto. Especially in light of this conflict, with its significant humanitarian consequences and far-reaching implications, poses a considerable danger to global peace and security.Certain diplomats have shown hope that after Donald Trump’s victory, President Joe Biden could exhibit more flexibility during his final weeks in office.They were optimistic for a recurrence of the events from December 2016, towards the end of former President Barack Obama’s second term. During that time, the council adopted a resolution urging for a cessation of Israeli settlement construction in the occupied territories, marking the first incidence since 1979.The United States chose not to exercise its veto on that occasion, marking a departure from its usual backing of Israel on the contentious topic of settlements.Human Rights Watch stated that the US once more employed its veto power to secure immunity for Israel, allowing its forces to persist in committing crimes against Palestinians in Gaza.The resolution vetoed on Wednesday emphasizes the importance of allowing humanitarian assistance to reach those in need without hindrance, particularly in the besieged northern Gaza, and strongly condemns any efforts aimed at depriving the Palestinians of essential resources.On Wednesday, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Majed Bamya, emphasized that vetoing a resolution aimed at preventing atrocities lacks any justification whatsoever.
