Since the Israeli offensive in Gaza began in October 2023, members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) have tried introducing resolutions calling for a ceasefire and an end to the war in Gaza.
However, these efforts have been repeatedly blocked on several occasions by the US.
Since the war began, Washington, which traditionally shields Israel from UN action, has blocked four different resolutions calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Additionally, the US has blocked a resolution aimed at recognising Palestine as a full member of the UN.
Many world leaders have condemned the US efforts to block ceasefire resolutions at the UN, with even Washington’s Western allies expressing regret over the failure to pass these measures.
According to the Jewish Virtual Library, the US has used its veto power 49 times against draft Security Council resolutions pertaining to Israel since it first began using it in 1970.
Here’s everything you need to know about the four US Vetoes:
October 16, 2023:
This was the first time the US vetoed a UNSC draft resolution, proposed by Russia, which demanded a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, release of all Israeli captives, access to humanitarian aid and safe evacuation of civilians.
The US, UK, France and Japan all voted against the draft resolution.
December 8, 2023:
This draft resolution was proposed by the UAE, calling for Immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The US was the only member to vote against the resolution.
February 20, 2024:
The US also vetoed this UNSC draft resolution, led by Algeria, on Israel’s war on Gaza, blocking a demand for an immediate ceasefire and immediate and unconditional release of all captives.
The US was the only country to vote against the draft text while the UK abstained. The UN Security Council’s 13 other member countries voted in favor of the text demanding a halt to the war.
November 20, 2024:
This draft resolution was proposed by the 10 elected UNSC members: Algeria, Sierra-Leone, Mozambique, South Korea, Japan, Slovenia, Guyana, Ecuador, Malta, Switzerland.
It demanded immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire, for all parties to comply with international law, immediate access to humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza, release of Israeli captives in Gaza as well as Palestinian prisoners, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) remains the backbone of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The US voted down the measure while the 14 other members of the council voted in favor.
Source: qusnen
