US vetoes UN resolution on Israel-Hamas war

AFP , Wednesday 18 Oct 2023

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Wednesday calling for a "humanitarian pause" in the raging Israeli war on Gaza, as the text did not respect Israel's right to defend itself, the US ambassador said.

US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield votes on a resolution regarding the situ
US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield votes on a resolution regarding the situation in Israel and Gaza at a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, at the United Nations on October 18, 2023 in New York. AFP

 

Twelve out of 15 Council members voted in favor of the resolution put forward by Brazil and negotiated over several days, while Russia and the United Kingdom abstained.

The United States was the only vote against, but as one of the body's five permanent members its vote counts as a veto.

"The United States is disappointed this resolution made no mention of Israel's rights of self-defense," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote.

The resolution said the Council "firmly condemns all violence and hostilities against civilians and all acts of terrorism."

It said the body "unequivocally rejects and condemns the heinous attacks by Hamas... and the taking of captives."

The text also "urges all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law."

The vote comes after the Security Council on Monday rejected a Russian resolution condemning spiraling violence in the Middle East.

That resolution did not single out Hamas for its surprise attack on Israel on 7 October, and it was rejected by permanent members the United States, the United Kingdom and France, as well as Japan.

The assault on Israel left at least 1,400 people dead and saw Hamas militants take 199 people hostage.

Israel has retaliated with air strikes that have now claimed the lives of 3,478 people, according to health officials.

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