US Vetoes Security Council Resolution on Gaza, Citing Lack of Contribution to Peace

In a meeting held at the General Assembly, Robert Wood, the deputy representative of the United States at the United Nations, provided his reasons for the U.S.’s decision to block various resolutions of the Security Council regarding Gaza. Wood argued that such resolutions do not aid in the achievement of peace. This discussion came in light of the U.S.’s veto against a resolution that called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in late February.

During his address, Wood stated, “Over the last month, the United States has voiced its stance clearly and repeatedly that the resolution, as it was presented to the Council, would not facilitate the attainment of sustainable peace. In fact, we were of the belief that it could potentially be detrimental to the cause. We did not view the resolution as a viable solution to lead to a ceasefire.”

Wood further elucidated that the vote had the potential to disrupt the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). These negotiations are being mediated by the United States, alongside Qatar and Egypt.

He further stated, “To bolster these delicate negotiations, we have proposed a draft Security Council resolution that calls for a temporary ceasefire, coupled with the immediate release of all hostages. This temporary ceasefire would allow the hostages to reunite with their families. It would alleviate the suffering of numerous Palestinian children, women, and men who are caught in the crossfire of Hamas. It would also expedite the delivery of aid to Palestinian civilians who are in dire need of it.”

Wood also expressed his commitment to continue refining the text so that the Council members “finally condemn Hamas for its horrific attacks on October 7.”

He further added, “We remain steadfast in our resolve to engage constructively on our resolution in the forthcoming days. We will continue our efforts to expedite humanitarian support to the Palestinian people through all channels, ensuring that aid reaches the maximum number of people. We remain committed to engaging tirelessly in direct diplomacy and negotiations on the ground.”

ISRAEL CALLS TO CONDEMN HAMAS

Israel’s permanent representative to the UN, Gilad Erdan, echoed Wood’s sentiment. Erdan criticized both the General Assembly and the Security Council for failing to condemn “the most brutal and barbaric massacre since the Holocaust,” even though more than 150 days have passed since the incident.

She also expressed her disappointment at the lack of meetings regarding sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. The UN special representative on Sexual Violence in Conflicts, Pramila Patten, assured that there are “reasons to believe” that the October 7 attack involved incidents of rape and other cruel and inhuman treatment of women.

Erdan stated, “Once again, this body has convened not to condemn Hamas or its atrocities, but to focus solely on the situation in Gaza, as though the events of October 7 never occurred, as though 134 innocent hostages are not currently being held and tortured in Gaza.”

PALESTINE URGES TO END ISRAELI IMPUNITY

Riad Mansur, the Palestinian representative to the UN, called for an end to Israel’s impunity and its “atrocities against the Palestinians.” He criticized the Security Council’s inability to call for an immediate ceasefire.

Mansur stated, “The era of Israeli impunity must be brought to an end. We must usher in a new era of accountability and sanctions. The Security Council’s failure to call for an immediate ceasefire to put an end to these atrocities has been a recurring issue.”

UNRWA IS ON THE BRIEF OF BANKRUPTCY

The commissioner of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNWRA), Philippe Lazzarini, warned that the agency is teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. This financial crisis has been exacerbated by the withdrawal of funds by numerous countries, following allegations that some of its workers collaborated with Hamas in the October 7 attacks.

Lazzarini stated, “I am here today because UNRWA is at a breaking point. On January 18, the Israeli authorities informed me that twelve out of UNRWA’s 30,000 employees were allegedly involved in the horrific attacks of October 7. No further information has been provided to me since that day, but the seriousness of the allegations necessitated swift action. I terminated the contracts of the affected staff in the interest of the agency.”

Despite the swift action taken by UNRWA and the lack of evidence supporting the accusations, 16 countries have suspended their funding, resulting in a total loss of $450 million. Lazzarini said, “UNRWA has no capacity to absorb these financial shocks, especially during a time when war is wreaking havoc in Gaza.” He expressed his gratitude to the countries that have continued to fund or increased their contributions to the agency.

Lastly, he appealed to the Member States of the Assembly to commit to “facilitating a political process” that will bring about lasting peace for both Palestinians and Israelis and to ensure the continued operation of UNRWA.