US Vetoes UN Resolution Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza

The United States has vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The vote took place just days before a UN General Assembly meeting where Gaza is expected to be the main topic, with several countries anticipated to recognize Palestine as an independent state. This was reported by Euronews.

The other 14 council members supported the resolution, which also urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid delivery to the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza. However, the US ambassador stated that the text did not condemn Hamas and did not acknowledge Israel's right to self-defense.

“It’s not surprising that the US opposed this resolution,” said Morgan Ortagus, a senior political advisor in the US, before the vote.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the UN, expressed his disappointment regarding the US veto, stating that Palestinians were let down as they had hoped the resolution would help end the dire situation.