Russia pledges not to give up as China says US veto gives green light for Israel’s continued actions in Gaza
The United States has once again vetoed a draft UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution on Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, drawing criticism from countries across the globe. This marks the third US veto of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, despite its widespread support.
The latest US veto, which took place on Tuesday, came a day after Washington circulated a resolution that would have supported a temporary ceasefire, contingent on the release of all Israeli captives from Gaza.
The UNSC vote saw 13 countries in favor, 1 opposing vote from the United States, and the United Kingdom abstaining. This strong support for a ceasefire reflects the desire to end the devastating conflict that has already claimed the lives of over 29,000 Palestinians.
China’s Response
The US veto has attracted deep disappointment and dissatisfaction from Zhang Jun, China’s envoy to the UN. He argued that the US has sent a negative message that further escalates the situation in Gaza, offering what he sees as a green light for the continued slaughter of the Palestinian people.
Zhang emphasized that ending the flames of war in Gaza is crucial to prevent the entire region from descending into further violence, stating, “Only by extinguishing the flames of war in Gaza can the world prevent the fires of hell from engulfing the entire region.”
Russia’s Response
Russia’s Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nebenzia, firmly condemned the US veto, calling it a black mark on the Security Council’s history. Nebenzia accused the US of intentionally prolonging the conflict to allow Israel to enforce its inhumane plans in Gaza, which entail displacing and marginalizing the Palestinian population.
Despite the bitter taste left by the vote, Nebenzia asserted, “We are not in the mood to give up.”
France’s Response
Nicolas de Riviere, France’s UN envoy, expressed regret over the inability to adopt a ceasefire resolution given the disastrous situation in Gaza. France voted in favor of the resolution and pledges to continue working towards the release of captives and immediate implementation of a ceasefire.
Algeria’s Response
Algeria’s envoy declared the UNSC’s failure to adopt the resolution as a profound letdown with potential consequences for the entire Middle East. He urged the international community to respond to the calls for ending the killing of Palestinians by demanding an immediate ceasefire. He cautioned against the ramifications of obstructing these calls, warning of violence and instability in the region and the world.
Hamas’s Response
Hamas, the Palestinian group, criticized the US decision to block Algeria’s draft resolution, alleging that it benefits the Israeli occupation’s agenda of killing and displacing Palestinians. Consequently, Hamas directly attributed responsibility to President Joe Biden and his administration for derailing the ceasefire resolution. They argue that the US stance grants permission to the occupation to commit further atrocities in Gaza, namely through bombings and starvation.
Palestinian Authority’s Response
The Palestinian Authority’s office of President Mahmoud Abbas directly condemned the US veto, defying the international community. They affixed blame on the US administration for supporting and offering protection to Israel’s barbaric attacks against Palestinian children, women, and the elderly in Gaza. Critically, they emphasized that these policies make the United States a partner in the crimes of genocide, ethnic cleansing, and the war crimes perpetrated by Israeli forces.
Qatar’s Response
Qatar’s UN Ambassador expressed regret that the UNSC failed to adopt the resolution and pledged to continue facilitating efforts to secure a truce in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia’s Response
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed regret toward the veto and stressed the necessity of reforming the Security Council to ensure credible and impartial peace and security maintenance, free from double standards.
Norway’s Response
The mission of Norway to the UN voiced regret over the council’s inability to adopt a resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. They underscored the crucial need to end the ongoing horror and suffering in Gaza.
Cuba’s Response
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez denounced the US, considering their veto as complicity in Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people. He used strong language on social media, stating, “They are accomplices of this genocide of Israel against Palestine.”
Amnesty International’s Response
Agnes Callamard, the director of Amnesty International, criticized the US for opposing a chance to protect Palestinian civilians in the UNSC. Callamard highlighted that the US had the opportunity to prevent massive suffering and killings, but instead, they chose a different path.
