This Friday, the United States vetoed a draft resolution of the UN Security Council that demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, despite the unprecedented call launched by the organization’s secretary general, António Guterres.
The resolution, drafted by the United Arab Emirates and supported by dozens of member states, was rejected with one vote against from the United States (permanent member, with veto power), 13 in favor and one abstention (United Kingdom).
The draft resolution – now rejected – expresses “serious concern about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the suffering of the Palestinian civilian population”, stresses that “Palestinian and Israeli civilian populations must be protected in accordance with international law humanitarian” and demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
He also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and the guarantee of humanitarian access.
The vote came after Guterres on Wednesday invoked, for the first time since taking office as secretary-general, Article 99 of the United Nations Charter, asking the Security Council, the only UN body whose decisions are binding, which would “avoid a humanitarian catastrophe.” in the enclave and approve a ceasefire.
At a Security Council meeting this morning, Guterres reiterated these calls, but the United States explicitly opposed a ceasefire.
Source: TSF
