The US has for the sixth time vetoed a draft resolution at the United Nations Security Council that would have demanded an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.
US deputy Middle East envoy Morgan Ortagus stated the text did not go far enough in condemning Hamas or recognizing Israel's right to defend itself.
All 14 other members of the Security Council voted in favor of the draft resolution, which described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as catastrophic and called on Israel to lift all aid restrictions.
This decision comes as the UN's humanitarian office warns that the last lifelines for civilians are collapsing in Gaza City as Israel expands its military offensive.
On the global stage, Israel and its close ally, the US, are appearing increasingly isolated. Speaking prior to the vote, Ortagus said Washington's opposition to the resolution should come as no surprise. She argued it fails to condemn Hamas or recognize Israel's right to self-defense, thus legitimizing what she called false narratives that benefit Hamas.
Following the vote, UN members expressed swift disappointment. Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour called the US decision deeply regrettable and painful, stating it has prevented the Security Council from fulfilling its role amidst the ongoing atrocities.
Pakistan's ambassador, Asim Ahmad, characterized the veto as a dark moment in this chamber. Algeria's ambassador apologized to the Palestinian people, urging forgiveness from those affected by the ongoing crisis.
The latest UN vote arrives just ahead of the UN General Assembly, where Gaza is expected to be a significant topic. Notably, key US allies, including the UK, may recognize an independent Palestinian state.
Currently, thousands are fleeing Gaza amidst lethal assaults, as Israeli troops push further into Gaza City during a military offensive launched in response to a Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people and took numerous hostages.
According to the local health ministry, over 65,000 people have been killed in Gaza due to Israeli attacks since the beginning of this escalation, with additional fatalities due to malnutrition and starvation reported.
