US vetoes a UN resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza

The United States (US) vetoes a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Thirteen countries voted in favor of this resolution. However, the United Kingdom abstained from it.

The Palestinian ambassador referenced the hundreds of Palestinians dead or injured in Israel’s assault on Gaza. He said, “Enough is enough”. While the Israeli ambassador claimed a deal would just prolong the war and that the only way to achieve peace was to eradicate Hamas.

The US vetoes a UN Security Council resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza amid growing concern about the civilian death toll there https://t.co/htquNdi9s1
— CNN (@CNN) December 8, 2023

Why did the US veto the UN Security Council Resolution for the Gaza ceasefire?

The vote came as UN Security General Antonia Gutters made a rare move on Wednesday to formally write to the 15-member council to help the two-month-long war’s global threat stop. He implemented Article 99 of the UN Charter for the first time as Secretary General to ask the council for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.

I've just invoked Art.99 of the UN Charter – for the 1st time in my tenure as Secretary-General.

Facing a severe risk of collapse of the humanitarian system in Gaza, I urge the Council to help avert a humanitarian catastrophe & appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. pic.twitter.com/pA0eRXZnFJ
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) December 6, 2023

US Ambassador to the UN Robert Wood said that the US strongly favors a long-term peace in which Israel and Palestine can live in peace and security. They (the US) oppose proposals for an abrupt cease-fire. This would only sow the seeds of the next battle. Because Hamas has no desire for a lasting peace or a two-state solution.

US vetoes a UN resolution calling for ceasefire in Gaza

Click here to find out the reason why the Israeli cabinet approved the hostage deal with Hamas

The United States and Israel opposed the immediate ceasefire because they believed it would only help Hamas. Instead, the US favors fighting pauses to protect civilians and allow the rescue of hostages kidnapped by Hamas in a deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

A seven-day deal that was to release several hostages by Hamas and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza came to an end on December 1, 2023. The US prefers its diplomacy over Security Council action to secure the release of more hostages. And pressure Israel to protect civilians in its assault on Gaza properly.

The UN Security Council is comprised of five permanent and ten non-permanent members. Permanent members are China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US. All permanent members vetoed in favor of a humanitarian ceasefire except the UK.