US vetoes resolution on Gaza which called for ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’

 US vetoes resolution on Gaza which called for ‘immediate humanitarian ceasefire’

Peace and Security

8 December 2023

The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting Friday morning New York time to discuss the catastrophic situation in Gaza. This follows Wednesday’s urgent letter by Secretary-General António Guterres – one of the most powerful tools at his disposal – urging the body to help end carnage in the war-battered enclave through a lasting humanitarian ceasefire. A resolution tabled late afternoon in the chamber calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire was vetoed by the United States.

4:30 PM

The Security Council meeting has adjourned.

Here are the key points:

The broadcast of the meeting.

 •The US vetoed a resolution put forward by the United Arab Emirates and backed by over 90 Member States. There were 13 votes in favour and the United Kingdom abstained. 

•The UN chief began this latest meeting on the crisis with a stark warning that “the conditions for the effective delivery of humanitarian aid no longer exist.” 

•He said “the eyes of the world - and the eyes of history - are watching", demanding that the international community "do everything possible" to end the ordeal of the people of Gaza.

 •Mr. Guterres said “the UN is totally committed to stay and deliver for the people of Gaza.” 

•The resolution which failed to pass took note of the Secretary-General’s invocation of Article 99, expressed grave concern over the “catastrophic situation” in Gaza, and emphasized that both Palestinian and Israeli civilians must be protected.

 •It demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages as well as humanitarian access.

 •It did not condemn the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October

https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/12/1144562

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode