Gaza: US vetoes UN Security Council resolution calling for immediate cease-fire

The United States vetoed a UN Security Council draft resolution, on Friday that called for an immediate cease-fire to end the raging weeks of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip.

The text, which was co-sponsored by nearly 100 UN member states, got the backing of 13 Security Council members.

The draft resolution, introduced by the United Arab Emirates, urged parties involved in the war to adhere to international law, particularly the protection of civilians.

It also demanded an immediate humanitarian cease-fire and called on UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to report to the council on the cease-fire’s implementation.

The United Kingdom, another permanent council member with veto power, abstained.

While reacting to the outcome of the vote on Gaza, the UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the Secretary-General’s determination to push for a humanitarian cease-fire and the UN’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza will continue.

On its part, the UAE’s representative,Mohamed Abushahab lamented its failure, saying “regrettably, and in the face of untold misery, this council is unable to demand a humanitarian cease-fire.”

Meanwhile, the US representative to the UN, Robert Wood explained that the Biden administration used its veto power because a cease-fire would have allowed Hamas to remain in control of Gaza.

More than 17,000 people have so far been killed in Gaza as Israel continues its military offensives in the besieged enclave.