The United States on Friday vetoed a resolution by the United Nations Security Council that demanded Israel stop its defense against Hamas, and create what the council imagined would be a permanent cease-fire.
The resolution needed nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members, which include the United States, Russia, China, France, and Great Britain.
Thirteen members of the council, including Japan and permanent member France, approved the resolution, offered by United Arab Emirates and which had 98 sponsor nations as signatories; Great Britain abstained.
The U.S. has agreed with Israel’s position that unless Hamas is dismantled, there will never be an end to the conflict, which started when Hamas terrorists made a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 Israelis. The Israeli military response has been overwhelming and there is clearly a humanitarian crisis in Gaza among the civilian population, as food and fuel is running low and as much of Gaza has been razed.
The resolution not only demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, it did not condemn the terror attacks perpetrated by Hamas.
It was the third time the U.S. has vetoed the security council’s call for an immediate cease fire. The vote came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a letter to the Security Council warning that the Gaza war has the possibility of becoming a global threat and calling for a vote.
