US Vetoes UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution for the Sixth Time

The United States has once again blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. This marks the sixth US veto, isolating Washington and Israel on the global stage as the humanitarian crisis worsens.

US Says Resolution Fails to Condemn Hamas

US Deputy Middle East Envoy Morgan Ortagus said Washington opposed the resolution because it did not condemn Hamas strongly enough or acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense.

“It fails to condemn Hamas or recognise Israel’s right to defend itself, and it legitimises false narratives that benefit Hamas,” Ortagus stated.

All 14 other Security Council members voted in favor of the draft, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid.

Global Reactions: Disappointment and Outrage

The veto triggered strong criticism from several countries:

• Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour called the decision “deeply regrettable and painful,” saying it stopped the UN from fulfilling its role.

• Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Ahmad condemned it as a “dark moment in this chamber,” stressing, “The cries of children should pierce our hearts.”

• Algeria’s envoy Amar Bendjama issued an emotional apology to Palestinians, saying: “Forgive us, because the world speaks of rights but denies them to Palestinians.”

Gaza on the Brink of Collapse

Meanwhile, the UN humanitarian office warned that lifelines for civilians in Gaza City are collapsing as Israel intensifies its military offensive.

Olga Cherevko, UN humanitarian spokeswoman, described the situation as “nothing short of cataclysmic”.

• Israeli tanks and troops are advancing on the third day of a ground operation.

• Thousands of civilians continue to flee amid deadly airstrikes.

• Since October 2023, at least 65,141 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

• Another 435 people, including children, have died from malnutrition and starvation, with four more deaths reported in the last 24 hours.

Background: Israel-Hamas Conflict

The ongoing war began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign in Gaza, which has now entered a deadly new phase.