U.S. Vetoes U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — In a significant diplomatic move, the United States vetoed a United Nations resolution on Wednesday that called for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The resolution, which garnered a 14-1 vote in favor from the U.N. Security Council, was rejected by the U.S. largely due to its lack of connection to the immediate release of hostages taken by Hamas in Israel in October 2023.
The resolution demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire" to be upheld by all parties involved in the conflict. It also reiterated calls for the unconditional release of all hostages. This initiative was sponsored by the ten elected members of the 15-member council, who do not possess veto power unlike the five permanent members, which include the U.S., Russia, China, Britain, and France.
Previously, in June, the U.N. Security Council adopted its first cease-fire resolution amid the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas. This earlier resolution was backed by a plan proposed by President Joe Biden, which Israel had reportedly accepted. However, the conflict has continued unabated as tensions persist between the involved parties.
Hamas, which has been classified as a terrorist organization by the U.S., Canada, and the European Union, remains a central figure in the hostilities. The U.S. veto underscores its commitment to linking any cease-fire efforts to the status of hostages, reflecting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region as humanitarian concerns mount.
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