US Again Vetoes UN Security Council Gaza Ceasefire Call

The United States once again exercised its veto power on Thursday, blocking a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, effectively shielding its ally Israel from significant diplomatic pressure.

All 14 other Council members supported the resolution, which was initiated in August following the UN's official declaration of famine after nearly two years of Israel's military campaign against Hamas in the Palestinian territory.

The vote occurred as Israeli tanks and aircraft intensified their bombardment of Gaza City, the focus of a major new ground offensive that has forced Palestinian civilians to evacuate southward.

According to the resolution text reviewed by AFP, it demanded "an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties" and called for "the immediate and unconditional release of hostages."

The United States has consistently rejected this approach on multiple occasions, most recently employing its veto power in June to support Israel's position.

Prior to the vote, Denmark's UN ambassador Christina Lassen urged, "Let this resolution send a clear message, a message that the Security Council is not turning its back on starving civilians, on the hostages and the demand for a ceasefire."

She added, "A generation risks being lost not only to war -- but to hunger and despair. Meanwhile Israel has expanded its military operation in Gaza City, further deepening the suffering of civilians as a result. It is this catastrophic situation, this humanitarian and human failure that has compelled us to act today."

The previous US veto triggered an unusual display of frustration from the remaining 14 council members, who are increasingly vocal about their apparent inability to pressure Israel to alleviate the suffering of Gaza's population.

In an unprecedented move on Tuesday, a UN-mandated international investigative commission presented its independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to "destroy" the Palestinians.

This issue will feature prominently during next week's annual UN summit in New York.

Prior to the vote, Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, stated, "Resolutions against Israel will not release the hostages and will not bring security to the region. Israel will continue to fight Hamas and protect its citizens, even if the Security Council prefers to turn a blind eye to terrorism."