Headline19. Oct. 2023
The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for a humanitarian pause amid the relentless Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip and its 2.3 million residents. The resolution, supported by Brazil, called for full, rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access for UN agencies to deliver vital assistance to the besieged area. The resolution also condemned Hamas’ attacks on Israel and called for “the immediate and unconditional release” of hostages taken by that organization. On Wednesday, 12 of the 15 members of the UN Security Council voted for a humanitarian pause in Gaza. Russia and the United Kingdom abstained from voting, while the United States used its privilege as a permanent member of the Security Council to exercise its veto power. These were the words of US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Linda Thomas Greenfield: “The United States regrets that this resolution does not mention Israel’s right to self-defense.”
The U.S. veto of a humanitarian pause in Gaza came two days after the United States, France, Japan and the United Kingdom rejected a Gaza ceasefire resolution proposed by Russia. Palestinian UN Ambassador Riyad Mansour spoke after Wednesday’s vote.
Riad Mansour: “It is surprising that some people continue to talk about the right to self-defense of an occupying power that has made it clear that it seeks indiscriminate revenge, forced displacement and the destruction of our people.”