US Vetoes UN Gaza Ceasefire Resolution
OAN’s Brooke Mallory
1:02 PM – Wednesday, February 21, 2024
American Dissatisfaction: US Vetoes UN Ceasefire Resolution in Gaza
The United States has vetoed a resolution at the United Nations (UN) that called for a ceasefire in Gaza. This move reflects American dissatisfaction with the ongoing war, primarily due to Hamas’ failure to release Israeli hostages.
Changing Stance: Biden Administration Becomes More Critical of Israel
While the US and the Biden administration had previously hinted at vetoing the Algerian resolution, President Biden has recently expressed greater criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. A US Security Council draft resolution was put forward on Monday, calling for a “temporary ceasefire” in the conflict.
The resolution also warns Israel against attacking Rafah in southern Gaza.
Previously, the US government refrained from using the term “ceasefire” for months. However, President Biden’s recent use of the language and the latest US resolution indicate a shift as the White House aims to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas, leading to the release of Israeli detainees and a lasting end to hostilities.
The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, stated that the rejected Algerian resolution would have negative consequences for ongoing negotiations in the region.
“Proceeding with a vote today was wishful and irresponsible, and so while we cannot support a resolution that would put sensitive negotiations in jeopardy, we look forward to engaging on a text that we believe will address so many of the concerns we all share,” she said after the vote.
According to a transcript of a phone conversation between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden criticized the IDF’s actions as “over the top.” He emphasized that any military operation in Rafah should only proceed with a credible plan to ensure the safety and support of civilians.
Despite rejecting the Algerian resolution, the US representative acknowledged the global demand for UN action, as stated by an unnamed official. As a result, the competing US resolution aims to provide an “affirmative vision.”
“We’re saying we hear the calls for UN Security Council action,” the official continued.
The official also mentioned that a vote on the US resolution is unlikely to happen this week, as the administration prefers not to rush matters while ongoing negotiations with Egypt and Qatar are underway. The US believes these negotiations will be more successful in securing the release of Israeli hostages, delivering humanitarian aid, and ending hostilities.
“We just weren’t able to support a resolution today that was going to put sensitive negotiations in peril– and that’s what we believe this resolution would do,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday.
The vote on Algeria’s proposed legislation took place on Tuesday, ahead of the planned Israeli attack in Rafah, where over 1.5 million Palestinians are reportedly living in cramped conditions.
“Under current circumstances a major ground offensive into Rafah would result in further harm to civilians and their further displacement including potentially into neighboring countries,” a draft of the US resolution reads, adding that “such a major ground offensive should not proceed under current circumstances.”
Despite a high-level conference in Cairo last week involving intelligence heads from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, the negotiations for a hostage release and humanitarian pause have not yielded a breakthrough.
“We want a deal very much and we know we need to pay prices. But Hamas’ demands are disconnected from reality – delusional,” Israel’s Coordinator for the Captives and the Missing, Gal Hirsch, told CNN Saturday at the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Hirsch emphasized that Israel needs evidence that the medication sent to Gaza for the detainees has reached them, in order to demonstrate Hamas’ commitment to their agreements.
On Tuesday, Hamas commanders positioned outside of Gaza returned to Cairo for further discussions, while White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk is also returning to the region.
According to a US official, McGurk is scheduled to visit Israel on Thursday and Cairo on Wednesday, with the hostage negotiations being a major focus of the trip.
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How does the US veto on the UN ceasefire resolution impact international efforts to promote peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict?
Highlight the importance of Israel’s right to defend itself. https://t.co/n4mentpYnP
— Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield (@USAmbUN) February 21, 2024
Pressure from the International Community
The US veto on the UN ceasefire resolution has been met with criticism from the international community. Prominent leaders and organizations, including the United Nations, have called for an immediate end to the conflict and the protection of civilians.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water, as well as the displacement of thousands of Palestinians. The veto has further raised questions about the effectiveness of the UN Security Council in addressing global conflicts and promoting peace.
The Road Ahead
The rejection of the UN ceasefire resolution by the United States marks a significant shift in the country’s stance towards the Israel-Hamas war. While previous administrations have been staunch supporters of Israel, the Biden administration’s increasing criticism reflects a desire to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza.
The ongoing negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and international mediators are crucial in reaching a lasting ceasefire and securing the release of Israeli hostages. The US, along with Egypt and Qatar, is playing a vital role in facilitating these discussions.
As the situation in Gaza remains volatile, international pressure is mounting on all parties involved to reach a peaceful resolution. The focus now lies on diplomatic efforts and negotiations, with the hope of finding a solution that addresses the grievances of both Israelis and Palestinians and brings an end to the violence and suffering in the region.
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s tweet highlights the United States’ commitment to supporting diplomatic efforts and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The US remains actively engaged in the negotiations, aiming to achieve a comprehensive agreement that promotes stability and security for all parties involved.
It is imperative that the international community continues to exert pressure on the conflicting parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards a peaceful resolution. The fate of the people in Gaza, as well as the prospects for peace in the broader region, depend on meaningful and effective diplomatic engagement.
Only through a collective effort, with the United States playing a constructive role, can a sustainable solution be reached that addresses the root causes of the conflict and paves the way for a peaceful and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
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