Israel-Gaza war: US vetoes UN Security Council resolution calling for ‘pause’ for humanitarian aid
- US ambassador tells Security Council to let ‘diplomacy play out’, with US President Biden ‘on the ground’ in Tel Aviv
- Israeli prime minister’s office announces Israel will permit aid to enter Gaza through Egypt, saying move followed Biden’s request
The United States on Wednesday blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for “pauses” in the conflict between Israel and Hamas militants to permit the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
Washington used its veto power against the Brazil-drafted resolution, which condemned all violence against civilians and demanded immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.
“The United States is disappointed that this resolution made no mention of Israel’s rights of self-defence,” Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, told the council.
It was the second time in three days the council considered a resolution. On Monday, the US – along with Britain, France and Japan – voted against a call for a “humanitarian ceasefire” brought by Russia, noting that the resolution did not include any reference to Hamas.
China, Gabon, Mozambique and the United Arab Emirates joined Russia, but six other members abstained. Adoption of measures on the 15-member council requires at least nine votes in favour.
