U.S. Vetoes UN Security Council Resolution
Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza
In a criminal move and to shore up its ongoing support for the Zionist state of Israel, the U.S. vetoed a June 4 UN Security Council draft resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The resolution was co-sponsored by all 10 elected members of the UN Security Council; Algeria, Denmark, Greece, Guyana, Pakistan, Panama, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia and Somalia. The resolution received the support of Security Council permanent members China, Russia, Britain and France.
Had it been adopted, the resolution would have demanded an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza to be respected by all parties.
The text reaffirmed the UN Security Council's earlier call for the "immediate, dignified and unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas and other groups."
The resolution also expressed grave concern over the "catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza" following months of almost total Israeli aid blockade, including the risk of famine, highlighted by recent assessments by international food security experts.
It reaffirmed the obligation of all parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law.
In addition to a ceasefire, the draft resolution demanded the "immediate and unconditional lifting of all restrictions" on the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling for safe and unhindered access for UN and humanitarian partners across the enclave.
It also urged the restoration of essential services, in accordance with humanitarian principles and prior Security Council resolutions.
The resolution expressed support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive the phased ceasefire framework outlined in resolution 2735 (2024), which envisions a permanent cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, the exchange of Palestinian prisoners, the return of all remains, full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the start of a long-term reconstruction plan.
Speaking ahead of the vote, acting U.S. Representative Dorothy Shea declared the draft resolution "unacceptable for what it does say, it is unacceptable for what it does not say, and it is unacceptable for the manner in which it has been advanced." The "U.S. has been clear that we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza," she declared.
China's Ambassador to the UN Fu Cong said Israel's actions have "crossed every red line" of international humanitarian law and seriously violated UN resolutions, adding, "Yet, due to the shielding by one country, these violations have not been stopped or held accountable."
(With files from UN News, Al Jazeera)
This article was published in
Volume 55
Number 12 - June 11, 2025
Article Link:
https://cpcml.ca/Tmlm2025/Articles/TS55126.HTM
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