THE United States on Thursday again wielded its veto and thwarted a UN Security Council call for a ceasefire in Gaza, shielding its ally Israel from meaningful diplomatic pressure.
The 14 other members of the Council backed the resolution, initiated in August in response to the UN’s official declaration of famine after nearly two years of Israel’s war on Hamas in the Palestinian territory. The vote came as Israeli tanks and jets pounded Gaza City, the target of a major new ground offensive, forcing Palestinians to flee south.
The latest development makes it absolutely clear as to why Israel was not listening to the voice of the globe and is continuing with its genocide in Gaza. It also confirms once again that the United States bears the burden of bloodshed in Gaza by repeatedly vetoing resolutions supported by the entire world envisaging ceasefire and humanitarian access to the besieged population. There was absolutely no justification to strike down a resolution that called for “an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza respected by all parties” as well as the immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Inclusion of the hostage issue to the satisfaction of Israel and its backer left no room for opposing ceasefire but by exercising the power of veto the United States has sent a clear message that it is supporting the ongoing military campaign to push Gazans out of the city and handing over its control to the Jewish State. It may be mentioned that the previous US veto sparked an unusual show of anger from the 14 other members of the Council who are increasingly vocal in their frustration over their apparent inability to pressure Israel to stop the suffering of Gaza’s inhabitants. For the first time Tuesday, a UN-mandated international investigative commission gave its independent analysis, accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza since October 2023 with the intent to “destroy” the Palestinians. In this backdrop, it is strange that President Donald Trump, who aspires for Nobel Peace Prize, wants an immediate end to Ukraine War and repeatedly referred to his role in striking a ceasefire deal between Pakistan and India, is providing military, economic, financial and diplomatic support to the genocide in Gaza. It is because of such clear misuse of the veto power that there is growing demand for a fundamental change in the working of the UN systems. The Security Council could not play a role in stopping genocide but hopefully the member countries of the UN will assert their influence during sessions of the General Assembly.
