In an event that has left the world on edge, the United States vetoed a resolution in the UN Security Council condemning Hamas’s “odious terrorist attacks” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The resolution, presented by Brazil, received 12 votes in favor, one abstention from Russia, and one vote against from the United States, one of the Council’s five permanent members with veto power.
The text, which was modified following a recent airstrike on a hospital in the Gaza Strip, emphasized the need to protect civilians in both Israel and Palestine, including East Jerusalem, in accordance with international law. However, the United States insisted that the resolution also recognize Israel’s right to self-defense, a point that ultimately led to the American veto.
This isn’t the first time the UN finds itself at an impasse regarding this conflict; the previous week, the Security Council rejected a resolution proposed by Russia that did not specifically mention Hamas for its attack on Israel.
Meanwhile, the ongoing conflict has resulted in an escalation of violence, with Hamas attacking Israel and Israel responding with extreme measures, including cutting off vital supplies in the densely populated Gaza Strip. The situation remains dire, and the international community is desperately seeking a solution to halt the ongoing humanitarian tragedy.