From China to France, UNSC members denounce US veto of Gaza ceasefire resolution

Several members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) denounced the US’s fourth veto on a proposed ceasefire resolution in the ongoing Gaza war. On Wednesday, the US vetoed the UNSC’s push for a ceasefire in Gaza, arguing that the resolution emboldens Hamas.

The UN Security Council voted 14-1 in favour of the resolution which was sponsored by the 10 elected members of the 15-member council. However, the body did not adopt the proposal after the American veto. The resolution in question, demanded “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire” in the war between Israel and the Palestinian group, along with “the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages”.

Shortly after the voting, China’s envoy to the UN Fu Cong expressed disappointment over the outcome of the Wednesday meeting and accused the US of hindering the hopes of Palestinians “for survival, pushing them further into darkness and desperation” via the use of the veto.

Algeria, Russia condemn US

While speaking to the reporters after the meeting, China’s Fu said that the member states’ actions would not “escape the harsh judgment of history,” Fu asked: “Does Palestinian lives mean nothing?” “How many more people have to die before they (US) wake up from their pretend slumber?” he asked rhetorically, Anadolu reported.

The Chinese envoy went on to argue that repeated vetos by the US “has reduced the authority of the Security Council and international law to an all-time low.” “We call on the US to take its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Council seriously. The US should stop being passive and evasive,” he added.

Meanwhile, Algeria’s ambassador Amar Bendjama also slammed Washington’s decision to veto the resolution. “Today’s message is clear to the Israeli occupying power; ‘You may continue your genocide, you may continue your collective punishment of the Palestinian people with complete impunity.’”

Bendjama said that the US veto has sent another “clear” message to the Palestinian people, before adding that “while the overwhelming majority of the world stands in solidarity with your plight, others remain indifferent to your suffering.” The French envoy, Nicolas de Riviere also expressed “deep regret” over the matter, highlighting that the situation in Gaza is worsening every day.

“International humanitarian law is being trampled underfoot,” he said, indicating the only response would have been a ceasefire. Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said that the country was not surprised by the US veto of the resolution.

“For months, the US has obstructed and obfuscated, standing in the way of the Council action to address the catastrophic situation in Gaza and playing on one side of the conflict to advance its own political objectives at the expense of Palestinian lives,” Nebenzia argued. “We do not need to be lectured by the United States on hypocrisy. Hypocrisy is what they exhibit every day in different conflicts,” he added.

The US defends itself

While addressing the backlash, US Deputy Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood Nebenzia said that Washington’s position remained that there had “to be a linkage between a ceasefire and the release of hostages”.

Meanwhile, Hamas referred to Washington as a “partner in the aggression against our people …" “It is a criminal, kills children and women and destroys civilian life in Gaza," the group averred.

The US also struggled to get support from its allies. UK envoy Barbara Woodward, who is also the Security Council chair for November, expressed regret about the veto. “International humanitarian law must be respected by all sides,” she said.

With inputs from agencies.