US Faces Isolation in UN Veto on Israel-Hamas Conflict Amidst Hospital Explosion
The United States found itself in isolation as it vetoed a United Nations resolution calling for a humanitarian pause in the Israel-Hamas conflict while also condemning the terrorist group’s attack. The resolution, proposed by Brazil and supported by Washington’s allies France and Japan, received 12 votes in favor, but it was ultimately negated by the US veto. Britain and Russia abstained from the vote.
The UN Security Council voted amidst the backdrop of a devastating explosion at a Gaza hospital on Tuesday, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. The vetoed resolution aimed to halt attacks on civilians and provide aid to Gaza. Palestinians blamed Israel for the hospital explosion, claiming that at least 470 people were killed. However, US President Joe Biden asserted that the attack was carried out by Palestinians.
In the ongoing conflict, Palestinians allege that more than 3,000 people have been killed in retaliatory attacks by Israel following a destructive incursion by Hamas terrorists on October 7. The terrorists had killed at least 1,700 people and taken around 200 hostages. Russia proposed two failed amendments before the resolution was put to vote. One amendment called for a complete ceasefire, while the other demanded condemnation of attacks on civilians in Gaza.
Brazil had endeavored for nearly a week to achieve a consensus reaction to the Hamas attack and its aftermath but was unsuccessful. Brazil’s Permanent Representative, Sergio Franca Daneses, expressing disappointment, said, Sadly, very sadly, the Council was yet again unable to adopt a resolution on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Again, silence and inaction prevail to no one’s long-term interests.
Previously, a resolution sponsored by Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, and 23 other countries failed due to a lack of minimum nine votes. Several countries maintained that the resolution did not explicitly name Hamas in condemning the attack on Israeli civilians.
The US’s veto of the Brazil-sponsored resolution, the sole negative vote, highlighted Washington’s isolation even from its allies regarding the broader situation. The veto appeared driven by domestic politics, obligating President Biden to unequivocally support Israel and not entertain any directive challenging that alliance, despite the strong condemnation of Hamas included in the resolution.
The US Permanent Representative, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, explained the veto, stating that her country was disappointed that the resolution did not acknowledge Israel’s right to self-defense. She added that President Biden’s visit to Israel aimed to demonstrate unwavering support for the Israeli people during their time of sorrow. Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for diplomacy and the President’s ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages, prevent the conflict’s escalation, protect civilian lives, and address the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza.
The United Arab Emirates’ Permanent Representative, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, warned that the Abraham Accord, which seeks peace and cooperation in the region, could be at risk. She stated, The indiscriminate damage visited upon the people of Gaza in pursuit of Israel’s security risks extinguishing that hope. The region is already contending with the spillover of this crisis, and the enemies of peace are unapologetic about their aims.
Russia, facing criticism for its invasion of Ukraine, took advantage of the US veto. Moscow’s Permanent Representative, Vassily Nebenzia, addressed the US, saying, You’ve made your choice, however, and you are going to have to bear responsibility for it concerning the people in the conflict zone living under constant threat.
China’s Representative, Zhang Jun, expressed surprise and disgust at the Council’s failure to take action to end the war. Zhang accused the United States of leading other Council members to believe that the resolution could be adopted by not opposing it during negotiations. He attributed blame to Israel for bombing the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City on Tuesday and called upon Israel to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law.
Despite extensive diplomatic efforts and intense discussions, the UN Security Council remains divided on resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict. The US’s isolation following its veto on the ceasefire resolution raises concerns about the ability to address the crisis effectively, protect civilian lives, and alleviate the dire humanitarian situation. The continuation of this longstanding conflict underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and meaningful dialogue to achieve a lasting peace in the region.
