The resolution calling for “an immediate and sustained cease-fire” in Gaza proposed by the United States on Friday in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) failed following Russia and China vetoed it.
During the voting on the resolution, eleven members voted in favor, while three nations including two permanent members with veto power – Russia and China opposed it. Additionally, Algeria also voted against the measure and Guyana abstained.
Earlier, in previous three instances, the US had vetoed against the resolutions demanding a stop to fighting in Gaza, saying that the measures could disrupt hostage negotiations and strictly defended Israel’s rights to defend itself after the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.
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The US was the only country which voted against the earlier resolutions in the Security Council votes as Russia and Britain abstained from the first vote, while Britain abstained from the votes in December and February.
As the death toll rises in Gaza, surpassing 30,000 according to health authorities, and conditions of hunger and disease worsen, President Biden and other U.S. officials have become increasingly critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. In his recent State of the Union address, Biden urged Netanyahu to allow more aid into Gaza and take greater measures to protect civilians.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, after meeting with Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv, emphasized the need for an immediate cease-fire to facilitate the release of hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid for Gaza’s 2.2 million civilians.
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This call for an “immediate” cease-fire represents a shift from a previous draft Security Council resolution circulated by the United States, which had merely called for a temporary cease-fire “as soon as practicable.”
