The United States on the 4th vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council once again calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The Security Council voted on a draft resolution proposed by 10 non-permanent members. The draft resolution calls for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate and unconditional release of all detained persons, and the immediate and unconditional removal of all humanitarian access restrictions on Gaza.
The draft resolution was supported unanimously by all 10 non-permanent members and four permanent members of the Security Council. However, the permanent member, the United States, exercised its veto power, preventing the draft resolution from being adopted.
US Secretary of State Rubio later issued a statement saying: "Today, the United States vetoed the UN Security Council's counterproductive resolution concerning Gaza and against Israel, sending a strong signal."
He stated that the US would not support any text that "wrongly equates Israel with Hamas or ignores Israel's right to self-defense."
He said, "The United States will continue to stand with Israel at the United Nations."
The US's unilateral stance faced widespread opposition from Security Council members.
China: Very Disappointed by the Result
China's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, expressed that China is very disappointed with the voting result. The content of the draft resolution reflects the urgent demands of the people in Gaza struggling amidst death and despair and is an overwhelming call from the international community. The US's repeated misuse of veto power continues ruthlessly to leave over 2 million people in Gaza in darkness, demanding scrutiny from the international community.
He said that the US has repeatedly vetoed the Security Council's demands for a ceasefire. It is due to the US's favoritism towards Israel that several Security Council resolutions concerning Gaza have not been effectively implemented.
He urged the US to acknowledge its responsibilities as a permanent member of the Security Council, to abandon political calculations, and to adopt a fair and responsible attitude supporting necessary actions by the Security Council.
UK: Gaza Situation Is Unbearable
UK's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Woodward, pointed out that the UK voted in favor of the draft resolution because the unbearable situation in Gaza must end. The Israeli government's expansion of military actions in Gaza and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza are "unjustifiable, disproportionate, and unconstructive, which the UK firmly opposes."
France: Aid Should Not Be Bargaining Chips
France's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Bonnafont, stated, "We are all clear about the tragedy unfolding before our eyes in Gaza, no need to elaborate further."
He regretted the Security Council's failure to adopt the relevant resolution and pointed out, "Humanitarian aid should not be a condition for achieving a ceasefire, nor should it be used as a political tool."
He reiterated that Israel must fulfill its international obligations.