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The United States blocked a United Nations proposal for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza to address humanitarian concerns.
The US rejected a UN resolution, proposed by Arab nations and widely backed, that called for an urgent halt to humanitarian activities on Tuesday.Israel-Hamas war
In the conflict-ridden Gaza Strip, it was stated that it could disrupt talks for a potential agreement to release hostages taken in Israel.
The vote in the 15-member Security Council was 13-1 with the United Kingdom abstaining, reflecting the strong support from countries around the globe for ending the more than four-month war, which started when
Hamas fighters launched an invasion in southern Israel.
“Weapons were used to cause the death of approximately 1,200 individuals and hold 250 others against their will. As a result, over 29,000 Palestinians have been affected.”
died during Israel’s military attack
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that the majority of casualties were women and children.
The United States has vetoed a Security Council resolution for the third time, which requested a cease-fire in Gaza. This occurred after a competing resolution was proposed by the United States, which would call for a temporary cease-fire in Gaza and the release of all hostages, as well as the removal of all restrictions on the delivery of humanitarian aid.
1.5 million refugees
If Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proceeds with his proposal to relocate civilians from the city and transfer 1.5 million refugees from Israel, it will greatly impact the southern city of Rafah, which currently serves as a refuge for those 1.5 million Palestinians.
An armed attack on the region adjacent to Egypt.
, where Hamas militants are believed to be hiding according to Israel.
Seth Wenig / AP
Prior to the vote, Algeria’s representative at the United Nations, Amar Bendjama, who serves as the Arab representative on the council, stated: “This resolution represents the ideals of truth and humanity, standing against those who support violence and animosity.”
“He expressed that voting in favor of this proposed resolution is a demonstration of support for the Palestinians’ right to life. On the other hand, voting against it signifies approval of the cruel violence and group penalties imposed upon them.”
American Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield stated that the United States acknowledges the council’s urgency for action, but holds the belief that the resolution would have a detrimental effect.sensitive negotiations
If a hostage deal is made and the fighting is put on hold for a minimum of six weeks, “we will have the opportunity to establish a longer-lasting peace,” she stated.
According to Thomas-Greenfield, the suggested resolution in the United States would achieve something that the current text does not. It would put pressure on Hamas to accept the hostage deal that is currently available and also facilitate a temporary ceasefire that would allow aid to be delivered to Palestinians in urgent need.
Seth Wenig / AP
It is uncertain what will happen next.
The Arab Group consisting of 22 nations may bring its proposal to the U.N. General Assembly, which includes all 193 member nations, where it is highly likely to be accepted. However, unlike resolutions from the Security Council, resolutions from the assembly do not hold legal weight.
Thomas-Greenfield informed the council that the United States is committed to negotiating in good faith on its proposed resolution, allowing all council members to give their input, instead of setting a strict deadline for the vote.
The failed resolution, supported by the Arab nations, called for an urgent humanitarian armistice that would be honored by all involved parties, effectively signaling the conclusion of the conflict.
On the other hand, the proposed resolution by the United States would emphasize the Security Council’s backing for a short-term halt to hostilities “as soon as possible, following the requirement that all captives are freed,” and urge for the removal of any obstacles to delivering large-scale humanitarian aid.
This is the inaugural instance in which the United States has utilized the term “cease-fire,” instead of “cessation of hostilities.”
Seth Wenig / AP
The proposed Arab document would have required the prompt release of hostages, opposed the removal of Palestinian civilians from their homes, requested unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, and restated the council’s expectations for Israel and Hamas to strictly follow international laws, including safeguarding civilians.
Without naming either party, it would have condemned “all acts of terrorism” and reiterated the council’s “unwavering commitment” to a two-state solution with two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace.
The U.S. draft resolution reaffirms its strong stance, which is likely to upset Israel and further highlight the divide and conflicts between U.S. President Joe Biden and Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu.
dedication to a resolution involving two separate states
The Israeli leader is against the idea of using the code “which”.
Biden has continuously urged Israel to safeguard the well-being of Palestinian civilians. The proposed resolution states that Israel’s intended extensive ground operation in Rafah should not take place given the current conditions.
The statement cautions that any additional movement of civilians, possibly into nearby countries like Egypt, could have significant consequences for peace and security in the region.
Seth Wenig / AP
The U.S. draft has received further criticism directed at Israel for government ministers’ calls to resettle Gaza, which is condemned. Any attempt to alter the demographics or territory of Gaza in violation of international law is rejected.
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Biden administration’s proposed resolution as a “surprising move” and accused Mr. Biden of succumbing to pressure from Israel’s opponents.
According to Johnson’s statement on Tuesday evening, if we look at past actions as a predictor, Hamas is unlikely to honor a cease-fire and will persist in their acts of terror until they are defeated. He also emphasized that House Republicans will continue to stand by Israel, their ally, and Jewish friends as they defend their right to exist.
Although the U.S. has vetoed three Security Council resolutions calling for an immediate cease-fire, the council has passed two resolutions concerning Gaza where the U.S. chose to abstain.
Its first resolution
On November 15th, a request was made for immediate and prolonged breaks in Gaza in order to address the worsening situation for Palestinian civilians as a result of Israel’s air and land assaults.
of the city of New York approved a new law to ban all single-use plastic bags
The New York City Council passed a bill on December 22 that prohibits the use of single-use plastic bags.
Revised a diluted resolution.
Urgently requesting for the swift delivery of aid to the starving and desperate residents in Gaza, without including the initial call for a “critical halt to hostilities” between Israel and Hamas.
The statement urged for “establishing the circumstances for a lasting end to hostilities.” The specific actions were not outlined, but diplomats stated that it was the council’s initial mention of halting combat.
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Source: cbsnews.com